Norris Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Norris come from? What does the surname Norris mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Norris and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Nurse
Surname Norris Origin: What does the last name Norris mean?
The surname Norris is of English origin, with some variations stemming from Middle English and Anglo-Norman French terms meaning "northerner", referencing individuals from the northern regions of England, Scotland, or Northern Europe. Other variations of the surname are derived from terms meaning "nurse" or "foster parent". YourRoots data shows that the Norris surname first appeared in records in the United Kingdom, particularly England, around the early 12th century, and remained prevalent in England and Wales through the 15th century.
YourRoots data indicates a notable increase in Norris family records in the United States from the 17th century onwards, suggesting a transatlantic migration during that period. The surname's frequency continued to rise in the United States, surpassing its presence in the United Kingdom by the 19th century. Today, the Norris surname remains prominent in the United States, with a significant presence also found in the United Kingdom and potentially other regions globally, reflecting a long history and widespread distribution of this surname.
Norris Last Name History: Where did the last name Norris come from?
Origin of Norris Surname: Where does the last name Norris originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Norris first surfaces in records from the United Kingdom, specifically England, around the early 12th century. This information is based solely on the exact “Norris” spelling as reflected in the YourRoots database and does not account for other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Norris: What does the Norris surname history look like in the early days?
Our YourRoots data indicates that the “Norris” surname remained predominantly associated with the United Kingdom, particularly England and Wales, from the 12th through the 15th century. The frequency of the Norris family records began to increase notably in the United States starting from the 17th century, suggesting a transatlantic migration during this period.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Norris surname today?
The 16th century marked a significant increase in the volume of records for the Norris surname within the United States. This trend persisted into the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, eventually surpassing the frequency found in the United Kingdom. Today, the “Norris” surname continues to be prominent in the United States, with a notable presence also persisting in the United Kingdom, and likely other regions worldwide.
Explore Norris last name heritage and Norris surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Norris Surame?
Mary Norris
Mary Norris (née Cronin, 1932 - 31 May 2017) was an Irish woman who bravely shared her experiences of abuse in Magdalene asylums. Sent to a laundry at 16, she endured hardship until rescued by family. Her story sheds light on the dark history of institutional mistreatment in Ireland.
Gillian Norris
Gillian Norris (born Dec 29, 1978) is an Irish dancer and model known for her performances in Lord of the Dance and Feet of Flames. Starting at a young age, she achieved success in Irish dance competitions before joining Michael Flatley's shows. After leaving the stage, Norris pursued a career in beauty therapy.
Kathi Norris
Kathi Norris (June 1, 1919 - June 15, 2005) was an American writer and television presenter. She hosted popular shows like "TV Shopper" and "The Kathi Norris Show" in the 1950s and 1960s. Norris also appeared in the game show "Spin the Picture" and the syndicated TV series "True Story."
Isham F. Norris
Isham Franklin Norris Jr. (October 15, 1851 – September 23, 1928), also known as Isaac Norris, was a prominent African American businessman and politician from Memphis, Tennessee. He later moved to Oklahoma Territory and Seattle, Washington, serving a term in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Norris made history as one of the early African American officeholders post-Civil War.
Francis Brooke Norris
Francis Brooke Norris (1801 – 4 Jan 1879) was a British colonial administrator and the fourth Surveyor General of Ceylon. He held the office from 1833 to 1846 and married Isabella Gillio in 1829, later marrying Elizabeth Jane Cooper in 1839.
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