English surname
Son of Harry
Patronymic surname (from a father's name)
Harrison is a patronymic meaning 'son of Harry'. Harry is a common medieval English form of Henry, a Germanic name meaning 'home ruler' that was introduced by the Normans and borne by many English kings. The surname became established in the later Middle Ages, particularly in northern England.
Variants include Harrisson and Harris (a parallel form without the '-son'). Harrison remains a common surname and illustrates the English preference for familiar forms of given names in the creation of patronymics.
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Son of Harry. From Harry, a medieval pet form of Henry, plus "-son".
Harrison is a English-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.
Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.
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