Darris Surname History

Origins Available:
Scotland
England

The family name Darris is believed to be descended originally from the Norman race. The Normans were commonly believed to be of French origin but were, more accurately, of Viking origin. The Vikings landed in the Orkneys and Northern Scotland about 870 AD, under their King, Stirgud the Stout. Later, under their Jarl, Thorfinn Rollo, they invaded France about 911 AD. The French King, Charles the Simple, after Rollo laid siege to Paris, finally conceded defeat and granted northern France to Rollo. Rollo became the first Duke of Normandy. Duke William, who invaded and defeated England in 1066, descended from the first Duke Rollo of Normandy. The Darris name is a reference to Artois, France, where the family lived prior to emigrating to Scotland.

Early Origins of the Darris family

The surname Darris was first found in Staffordshire, where they were Lords of the manor of Arras from early times. They were descended from Bagod of Arras who was descended from the Carloviginian, Count of Artois. Sir Robert Arras held the village of Bromley in that shire from Robert De Toeni, he was Lord of the manor of Arras in Buckinghamshire. But the main branch of the family moved north into Scotland in the train of King David I of Scotland about 1130, who granted them lands in Dumfries.

Early History of the Darris family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Darris research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1296, 1332, 1525 and 1565 are included under the topic Early Darris History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Darris Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Arris, Aris, Ariss, Arras, Arres, Arros, Arrows, Arowes, Arwys, Arrarous, Arrous and many more.

Early Notables of the Darris family

More information is included under the topic Early Darris Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Darris family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Nicholas Arras, who settled in Virginia in 1623; John Arris sailed to Virginia in 1642; John Aris sailed to Maryland in 1674; Charles Arras landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1860.

Contemporary Notables of the name Darris (post 1700) +

Darris Kilgour, American head coach and general manager of the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League, inducted into the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame (2007)
Darris McCord (1933-2013), American NFL football defensive end for the Detroit Lions (1955–1967)