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Harris Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Harris Surname

Harris is a prominent English and Welsh patronymic surname, originating from the personal name Harry, a vernacular form of Henry. The addition of the genitive ending -s signifies "son of" Harry. The surname Harris has historical roots in both England and Wales, with its origins tracing back many centuries. In some instances, Harris also appears in Ireland, primarily due to the Plantation of Ulster, where it sometimes serves as an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó hEarchadha.

Historically, the surname Harris has evolved and spread across various regions. In the United Kingdom, Harris is particularly common in South Wales, ranking as the 22nd most common name in Wales in the 21st century. This suggests a significant concentration of the Harris family tree in this area. Similarly, the name crossed the Atlantic and became widespread in the United States, where it ranked as the 25th most common surname according to early 21st-century census data.

YourRoots data provides valuable insights into the Harris genealogy, confirming its deep-rooted presence in the United Kingdom. This dataset aligns with historical records, indicating that the Harris surname has maintained a strong presence in South Wales since its early adoption. Moreover, YourRoots enhances our understanding of the Harris records by highlighting the name's expansion and adaptation in Ireland, demonstrating the cultural and geographical spread of the surname over the centuries.

For those researching the Harris family tree, YourRoots data reveals a rich tapestry of lineage, offering a comprehensive view of the surname's distribution and evolution. This information serves as a vital resource for genealogists and family history enthusiasts, providing a clearer picture of the Harris genealogy and its enduring legacy.

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Tracing Your Harris Family Lineage

Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the Harris surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.

As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.

Famous People with Harris (and Their Family Tree)

Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris

Kamala Devi Harris, born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, is a trailblazing American politician and attorney. Serving as the 49th vice president of the United States from 2021 to 2025, she was the first female, African-American, and Asian-American to hold this role. Harris, a Democratic Party member, was also the U.S. senator from California from 2017 to 2021 and the attorney general of California from 2011 to 2017. Known for her advocacy on gun control and healthcare reforms, she was the party's nominee in the 2024 presidential election. Harris's career is marked by her historic achievements and significant contributions to American politics.

Kamala Harris was born to immigrant parents who were both accomplished academics. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, hailed from India and was a biologist whose work significantly advanced breast cancer research. Her father, Donald J. Harris, an Afro-Jamaican, specialized in development economics and was the first Black scholar to be granted tenure at Stanford University. Kamala's parents met at UC Berkeley, where both pursued advanced degrees. Their diverse backgrounds and intellectual pursuits played a pivotal role in shaping Kamala's upbringing and values.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris, born June 15, 1973, is an acclaimed American actor, singer, and television host known for his versatile roles in both comedic and dramatic settings. He gained fame as the title character in "Doogie Howser, M.D." and later as Barney Stinson in "How I Met Your Mother." Harris has received numerous accolades, including a Tony Award and five Primetime Emmy Awards. His significant contributions to theater include his Tony-winning performance in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch." Harris's hosting prowess has been showcased at major award shows like the Tony Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, and the Academy Awards.

Neil Patrick Harris was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Sheila Gail (née Scott) and Ronald Gene Harris, both of whom were lawyers and restaurateurs. He grew up in Ruidoso, New Mexico, alongside his older brother.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris, born April 2, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama, is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and musician known for her pivotal role in the country rock and Americana genres. With over 15 million records sold worldwide, Harris's lauded career includes 13 Grammy Awards and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008. Her successful albums, such as "Pieces of the Sky" and "Elite Hotel," feature chart-topping singles like "Together Again" and "Sweet Dreams." Harris's collaborations include the acclaimed "Trio" albums with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt, and she has partnered with artists like Mark Knopfler and Rodney Crowell.

Emmylou Harris was born to Walter Rutland Harris, a Marine Corps officer who served in World War II and the Korean War, and Eugenia Harris. Her father experienced being a Prisoner of War during the Korean conflict. She grew up with her older brother, Walter Harris Jr., who had a fondness for country music. The Harris family moved frequently due to her father's military career, settling in Woodbridge, Virginia, where Emmylou excelled in school and developed her passion for music.

Calvin Harris

Calvin Harris

Calvin Harris, born Adam Richard Wiles, is a renowned Scottish DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. Rising to international fame with his third studio album "18 Months," he broke records on the UK Singles Chart with eight top 10 singles. Harris topped Forbes' list of highest-paid DJs for six consecutive years and has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award and Brit Awards. Known for hits like "I'm Not Alone" and "Acceptable in the 80s," his influence extends across the global music scene, making him a staple in electronic dance music.

Born in Dumfries, Scotland, Adam Wiles is the son of English parents who moved from Oxford. His father worked as a biochemist, and he has an elder sister and brother. Harris's early life in Scotland laid the foundation for his successful music career.

Rachael Harris

Rachael Harris

Rachael Harris, born on January 12, 1968, is a prominent American actress and comedian known for her versatile roles in film and television. She gained recognition for her lead role as Susan Heffley in the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" film series and as Dr. Linda Martin in the fantasy series "Lucifer." Harris has also appeared in acclaimed films like "The Hangover" and "Natural Selection," earning nominations for an Independent Spirit Award and a Saturn Award. Her comedic prowess was further showcased during her stint as a correspondent on "The Daily Show" and through her work with The Groundlings, an improvisational comedy troupe.

Harris Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Harris" is an English and Welsh patronymic name derived from the personal name Harry, a form of Henry, with the genitive ending -s. It is also present in Ireland, partly due to the Plantation of Ulster, and can sometimes be an anglicized version of the Gaelic name Ó hEarchadha.

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Where to Find Genealogy Records for Harris

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Harris family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Harris surname to learn more.

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