Find out how popular the first name Morrison has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Morrison by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Morrison is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 90% of people named Morrison being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 50 male babies and 7 female babies born with the name Morrison.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 7 baby girls were named Morrison in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Morrison

The given name Morrison originates from the medieval Scottish surname Morrison, derived from the Gaelic personal name "Muireach" or "Muireadhach." Muireach potentially means "a mariner" or "navigator," stemming from the Gaelic word "muir," meaning "the sea." The name's origins can be traced back to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, where the name was commonly found among maritime communities.

Morrison as a first name gained popularity during the 19th century, largely due to the influence of prominent figures bearing the name. One of the earliest recorded instances of Morrison as a first name can be found in the birth records of Morrison Remick Waite, an American lawyer and politician who served as the 14th Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court (1874-1888).

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the first name Morrison. Among them is Morrison Ricker Waite (1816-1888), the aforementioned Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Another prominent figure was Morrison Remick "Morie" Remick (1909-1976), an American theatre producer and co-founder of the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Florida.

In the literary world, Morrison Heady (1916-1973) was an American author and journalist best known for his novel "The Wanderers." Morrison Lamotte Hay (1856-1927) was a Scottish-American painter and illustrator renowned for his murals and portraits.

The name Morrison also has religious connections. Morrison Remick Hubbard (1810-1892) was an American Congregationalist minister and educator who served as the 16th president of Bowdoin College in Maine.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the first name Morrison throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields, from politics and law to the arts and literature. The name's Scottish roots and maritime associations have contributed to its enduring legacy and appeal across generations.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Morrison was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Morrison, please contact us.

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