The History and Significance of the Surname Harrison

Harrison is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old French word "harry," meaning "home ruler" or "ruler of the home." The name was originally given to someone who was the lord of a manor or the owner of a large estate. Over time, the name became a common surname among people of English descent.

In the United States, the name Harrison is most commonly found in the southern states, particularly in Virginia and North Carolina, where many English settlers established themselves in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, the name is still found in many parts of the country, and it is one of the more common surnames in the United States.

Some notable people with the surname Harrison include:

* William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States
* Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States
* John Harrison, a British clockmaker and navigator who developed the chronometer
* Gary Harrison, an American actor and musician
* Kate Harrison, a British author and journalist

The name Harrison is also associated with several places in the United States, including Harrison, New York; Harrison, Arkansas; and Harrison County, Mississippi.