Show ContentsHarris History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Harris Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Harris

What does the name Harris mean?

The family name Harris dates back to the beginnings of the Norman culture in Britain - the Norman Conquest of 1066. Originally, Harris was a name given to a person who was the son of the ruler of the property upon which he lived. Initially, le Herisse, the name came to England with the Norman Conquest, and is of Old French derivation. Another derivation, which is probably more common shows that the name is a version of the Old English given name Harry. 1 Although both derivations are valid time has confused them and historians now disagree on which is appropriate in a given situation.

Early Origins of the Harris family

The surname Harris was first found in Normandy, where Hericius and his brothers were in 1022 prohibited by King Robert of France from making inroads of on the estates of a neighbouring abbey. "Henricus was father of Ancelin de Beaumont who in 1086 held a barony in Nottinghamshire. Ivo Fitz-Herice or De Heriz, his son was Viscount of Nottinghamshire before 1130." 2

His sons quickly spread through Britain as seen by Robert Fitz-Herice who was mentioned in a charter of Barberie Abbey, executed by Henry II; Josceline Fitz-Herice mentioned in Huntingdonshire in 1156; and William who held two fees in Nottinghamshire and four in Lincolnshire in 1165. Humphrey Hairez was listed in Berkshire in 1158.

William Herez held an estate in Wiltshire in the 13th century and later one of his descendants held estates in Salisbury in 1469 and was ancestor of the Earls of Malmsbury who also have three herrisons on their arms. 2

"Harris and Heris are armorially identified, each bearing three herissons (hedgehogs) in allusion to the name." 2

"Wootton Hall [in Wooton, Northamptonshire], the seat of W. Harris, Esq., stands elevated, and commands extensive prospects: the grounds are surrounded with thriving plantations." 3

"Radford, in Plymstock, [Devon] has been a seat of the Harris family for nearly 500 years. Here Ralegh is said to have been kept in ward on his return in 1618, and here at times Drake stored much of his treasure. " 4

Early History of the Harris family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Harris research. Another 158 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1080, 1399, 1483, 1581, 1588, 1596, 1600, 1628, 1631, 1644, 1649, 1650, 1658, 1661, 1666, 1671, 1677, 1680, 1685, 1686, 1719, 1775 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Harris History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Harris Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Harris were recorded, including Harris, Harries, Harrys, Harryss, Haries, Haris, Hairis and many more.

Early Notables of the Harris family

  • Robert Harris (1581-1658), an English clergyman, known as a Puritan preacher, member of the Westminster Assembly, and President of Trinity College, Oxford
  • John Harris (Harrys) (c.1588-1658), an English academic and clergyman, Regius Professor of Greek at Oxford, long-time Warden of Winchester College, and a member of the Westminster Assembly
  • Peter Harris (the elder) (died 1680), a British buccaneer, one of the captains in the Pacific Adventure, a privateering expedition headed by Richard Sawkins and John Coxon
  • John Harris (1596-1649), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1628 and 1644
  • Sir Arthur Harris, 1st Baronet (c 1650-1686) was an English politician from Hayne in Stowford, Devon, Member of Parliament for Okehampton (1671-1685)
  • John Harris (1631-1677), an English politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1661 to 1677
  • John Harris (c. 1666-1719), an English writer, scientist, and Anglican priest

Harris World Ranking

the United States, the name Harris is the 15th most popular surname with an estimated 683,925 people with that name. 5 However, in Canada, the name Harris is ranked the 74th most popular surname with an estimated 32,407 people with that name. 6 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Harris is the 66th popular surname with an estimated 403 people with that name. 7 Australia ranks Harris as 17th with 53,949 people. 8 New Zealand ranks Harris as 14th with 6,379 people. 9 The United Kingdom ranks Harris as 24th with 115,915 people. 10 South Africa ranks Harris as 471st with 15,126 people. 11

Migration of the Harris family to Ireland

Some of the Harris family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 67 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Harris migration to the United States +

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Harris arrived in North America very early:

Harris Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Mrs. Adria Harris, aged 23, who arrived in Virginia in 1621 aboard the ship "Marmaduke" 13
  • Thomas Harris, aged 38, who arrived in Virginia prior to 1621 aboard the ship "Prosperous"
  • Ellnor Harris, aged 21, who arrived in Virginia in 1623 aboard the ship "Providence" 14
  • Alice Harris, who landed in Virginia in 1623 13
  • Lieutenant Harris, who landed in Virginia in 1623 13
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Harris Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Alice Harris, who landed in Virginia in 1722 13
  • Ann Harris, who settled in Maryland in 1737
  • Alexander Harris, who landed in America in 1764 13
  • Edward Harris, who arrived in Kentucky in 1773 13
Harris Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Christopher Harris, (b. 1818), aged 19, Cornish miner departing from Falmouth aboard the ship "Royal Adelaide" arriving in the United States on 8th May 1837 15
  • Mr. Thomas Harris, (b. 1814), aged 23, Cornish miner departing from Falmouth aboard the ship "Royal Adelaide" arriving in the United States on 8th May 1837 15
  • Mr. James Harris, (b. 1823), aged 17, English miner departing from England aboard the ship "Royal Adelaide" arriving in the United States on 21st April 1840 15
  • Miss Mary Harris, (b. 1832), aged 8, English settler departing from England aboard the ship "Royal Adelaide" arriving in the United States on 21st April 1840 15
  • Mr. Thomas Harris, (b. 1777), aged 63, Cornish farmer departing from Bristol aboard the ship "Druid" arriving in Ohio, USA on 29 June 1840 15
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Harris Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mr. Nicholas Harris, (b. 1861), aged 39, Cornish miner from St. Austell, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Ivernia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 21st May 1900 en route to Colorado, USA 16
  • Mr. James Harris, (b. 1876), aged 24, Cornish miller travelling aboard the ship "St Paul" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 14th January 1900 en route to Butte, Montana, USA 16
  • Mr. Harry Harris, (b. 1879), aged 21, Cornish miner travelling aboard the ship "St Paul" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 13th May 1900 en route to Butte, Montana, USA 16
  • Mr. Edwin Harris, (b. 1873), aged 28, Cornish coachman from Redruth, Cornwall, aboard the ship "Etruria" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 22nd June 1901 en route to Colorado, USA 16
  • Mr. Edwin Harris, (b. 1873), aged 28, Cornish coachman from Redruth, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "Etruria" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 22nd June 1901 en route to Colorado, USA 16
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Harris migration to Canada +

Harris Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mrs. Elizabeth Harris U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswickc. 1783 was a passenger aboard "Cyrus" on August 21, 1783 from New York to Saint John River 17
  • Mr. James Harris U.E. who settled in Belle Vue, Beaver Harbour, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1783 17
  • Mr. Thomas Harris U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1783 was a passenger aboard "Cyrus" on August 21, 1783 from New York to Saint John River 17
  • Mr. Massy Harris U.E. from Rhode Island, USA who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1783 passenger aboard the Union Transport he served in the New Jersey Volunteers 17
  • Mr. John Harris U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1783 was a passenger aboard "Cyrus" on August 21, 1783 from New York to Saint John River 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Harris Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Alanson Harris, who landed in Canada in 1828
  • Mrs. Harris, aged 56, a lady, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Sarah" from Bristol, England
  • Edward Harris, aged 24, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the barque "Pallas" from Cork, Ireland
  • Mary Harris, aged 23, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Charity" from Kinsale, Ireland
  • Nancy Harris, aged 24, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Protector" in 1834
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Harris migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet
  • Mr. John Harris, (1740 - 1791), aged 49, British settler convicted at Surrey, England in 1788, sentenced to 14 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Neptune" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12
  • Mr. Francis Harris, (John Harris), (1771 - 1838), aged 18, British settler convicted at Middlesex, England in 1788, sentenced to Life for highway robbery, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 13
  • Mr. Jaspar Harris, (1768 - 1800), aged 21, British settler convicted at Somerset, England in 1787, sentenced to Life for breaking and entering, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 13
  • Mr. John Harris, (James), (1771 - 1838), aged 18, British settler convicted at Surrey, England in 1788, sentenced to 14 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 13
  • Mr. Thomas Harris, (b. 1753), aged 36, British settler convicted at Middlesex, England in 1788, sentenced to Life for theft, transported aboard the ship "Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 13
Second Fleet
  • Mr. William Harris, British settler convicted in Wiltshire, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for stealing clothes, transported aboard the ship "Admiral Barrington" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 13
  • Mr. William Harris, (d. 1792), British settler convicted in Surrey, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Queen" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 13
  • Mr. John Harris, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Third Fleet" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 13
  • Miss Catherine Harris, (1769 - 1811), aged 21, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Mary Ann" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 13
Third Fleet
  • Mr. William Harris, (b. 1755), aged 32, English labourer convicted in Maidstone, Kent on 11th July 1785, sentenced for 7 years for stealing clothing, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 13
  • Mr. John Harris, (b. 1759), aged 28, English settler convicted in London on 15th January 1783, sentenced for14 yeras, returning from transport to America and Africa, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788, his original sentent was for life he was able to return from his deportation in 1783 to American and his is listed to have been on the Ceres to Africa 13
  • Mr. John Harris, British midshipman on the Navy support ship for the First Fleet the "HMS Sirius" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788
Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Harris Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
Harris Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Harris migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Harris Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Henry Harris, Cornish settler travelling from Launceston, UK aboard the ship "Brazil Packet" arriving in New Zealand in 1836 21
  • W Harris, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1839
  • George Harris, who landed in Tamaki, Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
  • Luke Harris, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • R T Harris, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Harris migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 22
Harris Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. Willim Harris, (b. 1599), aged 35, British settler travelling from London, UK arriving in St Christopher (St. Kitts) on 5th January 1634 13
  • Mr. William Harris, (b. 1612), aged 23, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Anne and Elizabeth" arriving in Barbados in 1635 23
  • Mr. Richard Harris, (b. 1609), aged 26, British settler traveling aboard the ship "William and John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 24
  • Mr. William Harris, aged 20 who arrived in St. Kitts (St Christopher) aboard the ship "Amity" in 1635 25
  • Mr. William Harris, aged 16 who arrived in St. Kitts (St Christopher) aboard the ship "Amity" in 1635
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Harris (post 1700) +

  • Kamala Devi Harris (b. 1964), American politician and attorney, 49th Vice President of the United States, the highest ranking woman in the United States, the first woman of color to be Vice President, nominee of the Democratic Party in the 2024 presidential election
  • Trevor Harris (b. 1986), American professional football quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL), Grey Cup MVP in 2025
  • John Richard Harris (1952-2025), American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour
  • John C. Harris (1943-2025), owner of Harris Farms and was a onetime president, member of the executive committee of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, member of the California Horse Racing Board, served as chairman of the CHRB (2004, 2005 and 2009)
  • Rachael Harris (b. 1968), American actress and comedian
  • Richard Harris (1948-2025), known professionally as Black Bart, American professional wrestler
  • Fred Roy Harris (1930-2024), American politician from Oklahoma
  • David Dominic Harris (1949-2024), American television and film actor
  • Bishop Harris (1941-2024), American college and professional football coach whose career spanned more than 30 years
  • ... (Another 89 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Air New Zealand Flight 901
  • Miss Hazel Phoebe Harris (1919-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Hamilton, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash 26
  • Mr. Brian D Harris (1965-1985), American Private 1st Class from Canton, Ohio, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 27
  • Mr. Lawrence E. Harris (d. 1996), from New York, New York, USA, American passenger, son of Jeffrey H Erickson president and chief executive of TWA flying aboard Flight TWA 800 from J.F.K. Airport, New York to Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Rome when the plane crashed after takeoff ; he died in the crash 28
  • Miss. Chelsea Lynn Harris (1988-1996), from New York, USA, American passenger traveling with Elsie Ostachiewicz flying aboard Flight TWA 800 from J.F.K. Airport, New York to Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Rome when the plane crashed after takeoff ; she died in the crash 29
  • Master John Russell  Harris (1917-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 29
  • ... (Another 60 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Harris Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Ubique patriam reminisci
Motto Translation: Everywhere to remember one's country.

Suggested Readings for the name Harris +

  • Families of Elisha, Joseph and Woodruff Harris of Chenango County, New York and Geauga and Portage Counties, Ohio by Gale Ion Harris.
  • Harris Index: A Biographical of Over 4500 American Descendants of Edward Harris and Flora Douglas of Scotland, 1730-1983 by Calsita V. Leonard.
  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  3. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  4. Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital
  5. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  6. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  7. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  8. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  9. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  10. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  11. "Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
  12. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
  13. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  14. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  15. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 2018, April 30). Emigrants to New York 1820 - 1891 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_new_york_1820_1891.pdf
  16. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  17. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  18. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
  19. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  20. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel-and-experiment
  21. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  22. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  23. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's. Retrieved 23rd September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  24. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  25. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved January 6th 2023 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  26. Mount Erebus, Memorial, Roll of Remembrance (Retrieved 2018, February 21st). Retrieved from http://www.erebus.co.nz/memorialandawards/rollofremembrance.aspx
  27. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
  28. The Washington Post Passenger List TWA Flight 800. (Retrieved 2018, February 15th). Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/twa800/list01.htm
  29. Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance

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