HARRIS Surname Meaning & Origin:
Harris is generally considered to mean "son of Harry." The given name Harry is a derivation of Henry, meaning "home ruler." Like many patronymic surnames, the surnames HARRIS and HARRISON are often found used interchangably in early records - sometimes with the same family.

Harris is the 24th most popular surname in the United States according to the 2000 census and the 22nd most common in England.

Famous People with the Surname HARRIS:

* Arthur Harris - Marshal Arthur "Bomber" Harris, Commander in Chief of the Royal Air Force Bomber Command during World War II
* Franco Harris - NFL running back, Pittsburgh Steelers. Best known for his immaculate reception during a 1972 AFC divisional playoff game
* Bernard Harris - 1st African-American to walk in space
* Jillian Harris - star of the reality TV show The Bachelorette, 5th season
* Neil Patrick Harris - American actor
* Mary Harris - early 1900s labor organizer; best known as Mother Jones

I research the Harris family that lived mainly in Warren Co., New York. Descendants of Moses Harris, Sr. who moved there from Connecticut. The family originated in England.

Haven't researched my Harris line extensively. My earliest Harris ancestor is Robert Harris born c.1790 in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, UK - possibly the son of Robert & Mary Harris. Robert, his wife Sarah and their family including my ancestor Job Harris born 1826 moved to Halifax in West Yorkshire. Job's granddaughter Emily Harris was my great-grandmother.

My Harris line
John Jefferson Crittenden Harris born 1837 Kentucky - & wife Martha Ann Floyd born 1835 Kentucky
John J.C. son of
George Fuller Harris II & his wife Pheobe Katherine Bailey
George Fuller II son of Moses Harris & his wife Dorcas Stephens