Orriss

Summary: Orriss is a British surname of English origin that can be traced back to medieval times. The name is believed to have derived from the given name "Orric," which itself is thought to be derived from the Old English name "Oric." The surname has seen various spelling variations over the centuries, including Orriss, Oriss, Orus, and Orres.

Origins: The surname Orriss likely originated as a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally used to denote the son of a man named Orric. The name Orric itself is believed to have been a variant form of the Old English personal name "Oric," which may have had associations with the Old English word "oer," meaning "pagan shrine" or "idol."

Distribution and Migration: The distribution of the Orriss surname is primarily centred in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. Over time, individuals bearing the surname may have migrated to other English-speaking regions, contributing to its presence in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Notable Individuals: While the Orriss surname may not be associated with prominent historical figures, its bearers have likely contributed to various aspects of society and community life over the centuries. Due to the commonality of the surname in certain regions, there may be individuals bearing the Orriss name who have achieved recognition in their respective fields.

Variants: Throughout its history, the Orriss surname has been subject to spelling variations as well as phonetic changes. Common variants of the name include Oriss, Orus, and Orres, all of which may be encountered in historical records and contemporary contexts.

References:

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1995). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

This entry provides a brief overview of the British surname Orriss, addressing its etymology, distribution, historical variants, and potential significance.

There are approximately 628 people named Orriss in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Orriss.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Anthony
  • David
  • John
  • Leslie
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Steven
  • William

Female

  • Claire
  • Deborah
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Linda
  • Mary
  • Maxine
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.