Morris

Morris is a common British surname of Anglo-Norman origin. The surname is derived from the given name "Maurice," which itself originated from the Latin name Mauritius, meaning "dark-skinned" or "Moorish." The name has Welsh origins as well, coming from the Welsh name "Mawr," which means "great" or "big."

History and Origin

The Morris surname can be traced back to medieval England post the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name became widespread across the country due to its association with various influential families and prominent individuals. Many of the early bearers of the Morris name held positions of power and influence in society.

Distribution

The Morris surname is prevalent not only in Britain but also in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name has spread globally, carried by migrants and settlers over centuries.

Notable Individuals

  • William Morris: A prominent figure in the arts and crafts movement of the 19th century, known for his textiles, wallpapers, and socialist views.
  • Morrissey: An iconic British singer-songwriter and former frontman of the band The Smiths.
  • Katie Morag: A fictional character created by Mairi Hedderwick, a well-known Scottish author and illustrator.

References

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1995). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P., and Hodges, F. (1988). A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 134,076 people named Morris in the UK. That makes it the 31st most common surname in Britain. Around 2,059 in a million people in Britain are named Morris.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Wales

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Welsh

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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