Pronunciation: [hˈaɹɪs] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Harris" is fairly straightforward, though it can be slightly confusing in terms of pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for "Harris" is /ˈhærɪs/. The initial "h" is silent, leaving the "a" to be pronounced as in "cat". The following "r" is tapped/flapped, making a quick "d" sound, as in "ladder". Lastly, the "is" ending is pronounced as in "this". So, phonetically, "Harris" is pronounced like "HAD-is".
Harris can refer to both a given name and a surname, with different meanings associated with each. As a given name, Harris is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Mac a' Ghobhainn, meaning "son of the smith." In this context, it suggests a family connection to a blacksmith or metalworker.
As a surname, Harris is of English and Welsh origin, derived from the personal name Harry, which itself is a variation of Henry. It is a patronymic surname, indicating the descendants or relatives of a person named Harry. It was often used to denote the son of someone named Harry, hence creating the surname Harris.
Furthermore, Harris can also refer to places or geographical entities. One notable example is the Isle of Harris, located in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is known for its stunning landscapes, sandy beaches, and rich cultural heritage. The name "Harris" is rooted in the Old Norse language and translates to "high land." Harris can also be found as a place name in various other regions, particularly in England and the United States.
In modern contexts, Harris is a versatile name that can be seen as both a given name and surname, reflecting various cultural and linguistic origins. However, the specific meaning and connotation associated with the name can vary depending on the context in which it is used.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "Harris" derives from a surname of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old Norse name "Hǫskuldr", which combines "hǫss" meaning "god" or "divinity", and "kuld" meaning "cultivated land" or "property". Over time, the name evolved into various forms, including Harek, Haris, Harrys, and eventually Harris. The surname Harris became widespread in Scotland and England, and eventually, it started being used as a given name as well.
