Morris

The name Morris is an English surname that has been adopted as a given name. It is derived from the name Maurice, which has its roots in the Latin name Mauritius, meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'Moorish'.

The name Mauritius was originally given to people from the ancient region of Mauritania, located in North Africa. It later became a popular name among early Christians, and was borne by several saints and martyrs.

When the name Maurice was introduced to England by the Normans, it evolved into the surnames Morris and Morrison. These surnames were initially used to distinguish between families or branches of the same clan.

As a given name, Morris may have been chosen for its connection to this historical background, or simply for its distinctive sound and spelling. While it does not have a specific meaning beyond its origins as a surname, it has a strong and masculine quality.