The name Norris has its origins in the Norman French language and culture, originating in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old French word "norreis," which means "Norse" or "Northman." This suggests that the name was likely given to individuals with Scandinavian ancestry or those who hailed from the northern regions of France.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Norris can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landowners in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This historical document mentions several individuals bearing the name, indicating its use in the late 11th century.

The name Norris has been associated with various notable figures throughout history. One such individual was Sir John Norreys (1547-1597), an English military commander who served under Queen Elizabeth I during the Anglo-Spanish War. He played a significant role in the English campaigns against the Spanish in the Netherlands and Ireland.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Robert Norris (1491-1535), an English diplomat and courtier who served as a member of the Privy Council under King Henry VIII. He was also involved in the dissolution of the monasteries, which marked a crucial period in the English Reformation.

In the realm of literature, Frank Norris (1870-1902) was an American novelist and journalist who was a leading figure in the Naturalist movement. His notable works include "McTeague" and "The Octopus," which explored themes of determinism and the influence of environment on human behavior.

Moving to the field of sports, Chuck Norris (born 1940) is a renowned American martial artist, actor, and producer. He rose to fame through his roles in action films such as "Way of the Dragon" and the "Missing in Action" series, becoming a cultural icon and the subject of numerous internet memes.

Lastly, Lancelot "Capability" Brown (1716-1783) was an English landscape architect whose work had a significant impact on the English garden style. He was known for his naturalistic and sweeping landscape designs, earning him the nickname "Capability" due to his ability to identify the potential of a landscape.