The surname Orris is of Old French origin, derived from the personal name "Horace." Horace was a Roman praenomen (first name) that became popular during the Middle Ages due to the influence of Latin literature. In some instances, it may have also been a variant of the name Harry or Henry, which were Anglo-Norman names introduced into England following the Norman Conquest in 1066. The surname Orris began to be used as a hereditary name during the High Middle Ages (circa 900-1300), when the practice of using surnames became more widespread in Europe. Over time, various spelling variations emerged, such as Horace, Horsfield, and Orce, with Orris being one of the later forms that developed. The migration of Norman families to England after the Conquest led to a significant number of these names becoming established in England, where they remain popular today. The name Orris can also be found in other English-speaking countries as a result of colonization and immigration.
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The surname Orris is of English origin, derived from several possible sources. One theory suggests it is a locative name for someone who lived near a wild hazel bush or thicket, as "orris" is an Old French and Middle English term for hazel. Another theory proposes that the name could be a nickname for a strong or vigorous person, as the term "orris root" was used in medieval times to refer to a potent aromatic substance derived from the root of the iris flower. The name may also have been a variant of other English surnames such as Auris (from Old French aurise, meaning ear) or Orace (a diminutive of the personal name Ora). The popularity of the name in England can be traced back to the 12th century, with notable bearers including Henry Orris and John Orris who were recorded in the Hundred Rolls of 1273.
The surname Orris is primarily concentrated in certain regions within the United States and Europe, particularly in England, Scotland, and Ireland. In the US, the highest concentration of individuals with the last name Orris can be found in states such as California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and New York. The origin of the surname Orris is believed to derive from Old Norse or Gaelic roots, with variations like Orre, Orrys, and Ury found across different regions. In England, the name is particularly common in the counties of Devon, Somerset, and Cornwall, where it's often traced back to Norman or Scandinavian settlers. In Scotland, Orris is more frequently associated with the border region between England and Scotland, particularly the counties of Northumberland and Roxburghshire. This geographical distribution suggests a rich history for the surname Orris, with roots tracing back to both the Norse invasions and Norman Conquest.
The surname Orris can be found with various spelling variations due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common variants of this last name include Orys, Ouris, Oryes, Auries, Orrys, Orrice, Ourice, Ury, and Urry. These differences in spelling may have arisen from the phonetic interpretation of names by church record clerks or the use of local dialects during the Middle Ages and Early Modern periods. Additionally, the name Orris is thought to be derived from Old French personal names such as Ory (from Latin Aurius) or Orri (a diminutive form of Hodiernus, meaning "of today"). It is also a variant of the surname Ores or Aures, which have their origins in various European locales.
Notable individuals with the surname Orris include:
1. Paul Orris (born 1942), an American professional baseball player who played as a catcher for three Major League Baseball teams from 1963 to 1976.
2. John Orris (1856-1906), a prominent American sculptor, known for his work on the Missouri State Capitol and other public buildings.
3. Mary Orris Sloan (1843-1934), an American philanthropist who was one of the founders of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
4. Frank Orris Furness (1856-1925), an American architect known for his work on several significant buildings in Philadelphia, including the Merchants Exchange Building and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
5. Gwendolyn Orris (born 1944), an American politician who served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2012.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including sports, art, philanthropy, and politics.
The surname Orris, originating from Old French and Latin origins, is predominantly found in England, France, and the United States. In England, it's believed to be derived from a place name such as Orreys in Dorset or Orres in Somerset, both meaning "high ridge" in Old English. In France, it stems from the Old French word 'orris', meaning 'marshy land'. The surname migrated with the Normans after the Conquest of England in 1066 and has also been found among Huguenot refugees who settled in England and America in the late 17th century. In the United States, notable figures bearing the Orris name include John Orris, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from Georgia. The surname Orris is considered to have variations such as Orrys, Ory, Orrie, and Orrisse.
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