"Moorish, dark-complexioned"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Morris
Pronunciation: [ m-AWR-uhs ]
Does Morris flow with your last name?
A vintage English classic with medieval folk dance roots
English
Welsh
American
Jewish
Classic
Vintage
Strong
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Morris
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"son of Maurice"
Origin: Medieval English
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- The original meaning dark-skinned derived from a period of racial terminology — though this is historical, some may find the etymology sensitive
The Story of Morris
Morris is the Anglicized form of Maurice, from the Latin Mauritius, meaning Moorish or dark-complexioned, derived from Maurus (a Moor, referring to people from North Africa). The Moors were Muslim inhabitants of the Maghreb who ruled much of Spain from 711-1492. Despite this specific ethnic origin, the name became widespread across Europe through Saint Maurice, an early Christian martyr. In medieval England and Wales, Morris became a common given name and surname.
Morris peaked in the early 20th century in the US, particularly among Jewish American families where it served as an English equivalent of Moses or similar Hebrew names. It declined significantly after mid-century. Today its considered a solidly old-fashioned name, which gives it a vintage appeal for parents seeking something truly retro.
Morris dancing is a traditional English folk dance with origins possibly dating to the 15th century. The name Morris has deep Welsh associations through its variant Morgan. In Ashkenazi Jewish communities, Morris was one of the most common American-adaptation names of the early 20th century.
Historical Record
Morris first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 22,178 babies have been named Morris in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Morris is past its peak , currently ranked #1,873 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Morris dancing, one of Englands oldest folk traditions, may get its name from this root (though etymologists debate this)
- Morris the Cat was the advertising mascot for 9Lives cat food from 1969 to the present
- Morrie Schwartz from Tuesdays with Morrie (1997) brought this name back into public consciousness
Morris in Other Languages
Welsh
Meurig
French
Maurice
German
Moritz
Italian
Maurizio
Spanish
Mauricio
Popularity Over Time
#1,873
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Morris
M
Morris Chestnut
Actor
1969
American actor known for Boyz n the Hood and The Best Man series
M
Morrie Schwartz
Other
1916
Sociology professor whose final lessons became the bestselling memoir Tuesdays with Morrie
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,873
- Total SSA Count
- 86
- Cultural Origins
- English Welsh American Jewish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mo
Morrie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Morris
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Morris is also used as a girl name, ranked #17259.
View Morris as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Morris
What does the name Morris mean?
"Moorish, dark-complexioned" (from Latin). "son of Maurice" (from Medieval English). Morris is the Anglicized form of Maurice, from the Latin Mauritius, meaning Moorish or dark-complexioned, derived from Maurus (a Moor, referring to people from North Africa). The Moors were Muslim inhabitants of the Maghreb who ruled much of Spain from 711-1492. Despite this specific ethnic origin, the name became widespread across Europe through Saint Maurice, an early Christian martyr. In medieval England and Wales, Morris became a common given name and surname.
What is the origin of the name Morris?
Morris has Latin, Medieval English, English, Welsh, American, and Jewish origins. In Latin, it means "Moorish, dark-complexioned". In Medieval English, it means "son of Maurice".
Is Morris a boy or girl name?
Morris is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1873. As a girl name, it is ranked #17259. Morris is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Morris?
Morris is pronounced m-AWR-uhs.
How popular is the name Morris?
Morris is currently ranked #1873 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Morris?
Common nicknames for Morris include Morrie.
What are good middle names for Morris?
Popular middle name pairings include Morris James, Morris Allen, Morris Eugene, Morris Earl, Morris Dean, Morris Ray, and Morris Wayne.
What are good sibling names for Morris?
Names that pair well with Morris as siblings include Bernard, Leonard, Wallace, Harriet, Dorothy, Helen, and Walter.
How many syllables does Morris have?
Morris has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Morris a common or rare name?
Morris is an uncommon name, ranked #1873 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Morris?
Are there other spellings for Morris?
Related spellings include Morrison.
About the Name Morris
Morris is a boy name with English, Welsh, American, and Jewish origins . The name means "Moorish, dark-complexioned" in Latin .
Is Morris a boy or girl name? Morris is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,873 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #17,259. Morris is more commonly used as a boy name.
Morris is currently ranked #1,873 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Morris has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AWR-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Morris include Mo and Morrie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Morris include Morrison . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis