Surname Herries - Meaning and Origin
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Herries: What does the surname Herries mean?
The surname Herries is of Scottish origin and thought to be a geographical or locational surname, derived from the place in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, where the family held a family seat as a clan. The Herries family lived on the lands of Herries, which were granted to them by Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, in the 11th-12th centuries. There are also links to the Old English or Old Norse word "heri," meaning army. As surnames often served as an identifier, a geographical one like Herries could indicate where a family lived or held land, whereas a word like "heri" might suggest a family's profession or status. In the case of Herries, it could potentially mean "of or from the army," possibly implying that their ancestors were soldiers or warriors. However, the exact meaning can differ based on individual family lineages and histories. Like most surnames, interpretations of its origins and meanings should be considered with a measure of caution.
Order DNA origin analysisHerries: Where does the name Herries come from?
The surname Herries is of Scottish origin, and it can be traced back to Dumfriesshire, a region in South West Scotland. The name originated from the barony of Herries, located in this region, which was named after an earlier family who were Barons of the area in medieval times. The Herries family was significant in Scotland's history, holding titles such as Lord Herries of Terregles.
Despite its Scottish roots, variations of the Herries surname like Harris have spread to other parts of the world along with the Scottish diaspora, particularly English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Therefore, while it is less common than other surnames, it can still be found globally. Within the UK, the Herries surname is still most common in Scotland, particularly in Dumfries and Galloway region, keeping its ties with its historical origins. The name however is quite rare, making it less common even in these areas.
Variations of the surname Herries
Variants and alternative spellings for the surname Herries include Herrieses, Herriess, Herise, Herrise, Herrises, Herriss, Herrisses, Heris, Herisse, Herris, Herriss. There may be also variations due to regional accents and dialects, transcription errors, or simply individual preference. The root of this surname can be traced back to the Old English language, specifically from the terms "hyrst" or "hurst," which mean "wooded hill."
As for the origin of the surname, it can be associated with a geographical location, given originally to someone who lived on a wooded hill. It is particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom, more specifically in Scotland, where a notable family held the title of the Lords Herries of Terregles. It might be possible that certain variations of the surname could also originate from Harris - a patronymic surname that's a variant of Harry or Henry.
Similar surnames potentially sharing the same root might include Harris, Harrison, or Harries. However, it's important to note that surname origins can be complex and it always depends on the individual family history.
Famous people with the name Herries
- Robert Herries: A Scottish merchant and banker. He established the "Herries & Co." bank in London, later restructured and renamed to "Barclays."
- Everard Herries: He was a British Judge who served in India. And, he also worked as the third Chief Commissioner of Central Provinces in British India from 1877-1881.
- David Herries: A notable New Zealand farmer and politician who served in the House of Representatives.
- John Charles Herries: A prominent British politician and financier of the 19th century who held numerous cabinet positions.
- Susan Herries: Better known as Susan Barrie, she was a prominent British romantic novel writer.
- Jennifer L. Herries: She is the Interim CEO of Fairview Health Services in Minnesota.
- William Herries: He served as a member of the House of Representatives in New Zealand and was also the Minister of Railways and Native Affairs.
- Max Herries: An Australian rugby union player who played for the national team, the Wallabies in 1920s.
- Caroline Herries: A British author who wrote under the pen name of Victoria Clayton.
- Algy Herries: A British Army officer who also served as a cricket administrator. Please note that some part of the information might be outdated, so kindly verify from a trusted source.