The word "Harbison" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈhɑːrbɪsən/. The first syllable is pronounced with an open back unrounded vowel /ɑː/, followed by a voiced bilabial stop /b/, and then an unstressed short vowel /ɪ/. The second syllable features a voiceless alveolar fricative /s/ followed by a schwa vowel /ə/. Finally, the word ends with a voiced alveolar nasal /n/. The spelling of "Harbison" stays true to its pronunciation, with each sound accurately represented.
The word "Harbison" is primarily considered a surname of Scottish origin. Although the exact etymology of the name is not well-documented, it is believed to have originated from a place name. "Harbison" likely comes from the Old English elements "heah", meaning high or noble, and "burgh", meaning fortress or settlement. Over time, it would have transitioned from a place name to become a surname for individuals associated with that location.