"Moorish, dark-complexioned"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Morris
Pronunciation: [ m-AWR-uhs ]
Boy Name
#1,873 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A vintage English classic with medieval folk dance roots
English
Welsh
American
Jewish
Classic
Vintage
Strong
Traditional
Meaning & Origin
"son of Maurice"
Origin: Medieval English
Language: English
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.
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
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
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
Pairs Well With
Morris James
Morris Allen
Morris Eugene
Morris Earl
Morris Dean
Morris Ray
Morris Wayne
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Morris is also used as a girl name, ranked #17259.
View Morris as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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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 Mo and 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.
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.