Morris Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Morris come from? What does the surname Morris mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Morris and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Moore, Maurice, Mauricio, Mauritz, Maurizio, McMorris, Merrick, Morehouse, Morici, Moris, Moritz, Morrice, Morrish, Morrison, Morrisroe, Morriss, Morse
Surname Morris Origin: What does the last name Morris mean?
The surname Morris has various origins, predominantly English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh. It is derived from the Anglo-Norman personal name Moreis or Maurice, meaning 'Moorish' or 'dark'. In England, it was most common in Lancashire according to the 1881 Census, with significant concentrations in London, Glamorgan, and the West Midlands. In Wales, Morris is an Anglicisation of the Welsh name Meurig, derived from the Latin Mauritius. The surname also has Norman origins in Ireland, where it is anglicised as Morris and is common in parts of the south such as Kilkenny and Cork.
YourRoots data reveals that the surname Morris first appeared in records from England in the early 15th century. The frequency of Morris family records increased significantly in the United States starting in the 17th century, surpassing its prevalence in the United Kingdom. Today, the Morris surname is widespread in the United States, with a significant presence globally in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and beyond, reflecting its diverse origins and historical roots.
Morris Last Name History: Where did the last name Morris come from?
Origin of Morris Surname: Where does the last name Morris originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Morris first appears in records from England (United Kingdom) around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact "Morris" spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Morris: What does the Morris surname history look like in the early days?
From the 15th century through the 16th century, the "Morris" surname was closely associated with England. However, the frequency of Morris family records began to increase significantly in the United States starting in the 17th century. This trend of increasing frequency in the United States continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, according to YourRoots data.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Morris surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Morris surname grew significantly in the United States, surpassing even its country of origin, the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the "Morris" surname appears prominently in the United States, reflecting its widespread adoption and usage in this region. However, the Morris surname can still be found in numerous countries worldwide, including but not limited to the United Kingdom.
Explore Morris last name heritage and Morris surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Morris Surame?
Garrett Morris
Garrett Isaac Morris (born Feb 1, 1937) is an American actor, comedian, and singer known for being the first black cast member on Saturday Night Live. He also appeared in sitcoms like The Jeffersons, The Jamie Foxx Show, and 2 Broke Girls, as well as films like Cooley High and Car Wash.
Lamorne Morris
Lamorne DaMarcus Morris (August 14, 1983 - ) is an American actor and comedian best known for his role as Winston Bishop in the popular Fox sitcom "New Girl." He has also appeared in various films and TV shows, showcasing his talent and versatility in the entertainment industry.
Heather Morris
Heather Elizabeth Morris (Feb 1, 1987 - ) is an American actress, dancer, and singer best known for her role as Brittany S. Pierce in the hit series "Glee." She also worked as a backup dancer for Beyoncé and appeared in various TV shows and movies.
Kathryn Morris
Kathryn Susan Morris (Jan 28, 1969) is an American actress known for her role as Detective Lilly Rush in the CBS series Cold Case. She has appeared in various films and TV shows, showcasing her talent and versatility in the entertainment industry.
Greg Morris
Francis Gregory Alan Morris (Sep 27, 1933 - Aug 27, 1996) was an American actor known for his roles as Barney Collier on 'Mission: Impossible' and Lieutenant David Nelson on 'Vega$.' Morris also appeared in films and TV shows like 'The Six Million Dollar Man' and 'The Jeffersons.'
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