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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Harris and Harry

38 replies

earlgreyismynectar · 17/02/2011 22:28

DS was born a week ago and we finally decided on the name Harris though I intend for him to be known as Harry, whilst he's little anyway and he can use Harris when he's older if he likes or if there are more of them in the class! I realise that Harry is quite a popular name which is why I'd like another option in the wings.

I might regret this as I suppose I'm looking for reassurance following some negative / sniggering reaction to the announcement, mostly around the name Harry but I've also had a few querying comments (as well as positives) around Harris. Are there connotations to either name that I am missing? Or am I being hormonally over emotional just now?!

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rachel1970 · 18/02/2011 11:56

I find Harry a little boring/overused personally. Harris, on the other hand, is less common and if it has positive associations in Scotlanad (where you are), I'd stick with it.

Northernrose · 18/02/2011 11:53

I like it :-) in Scotland too and just thought of the stunning beaches on Harris! Definitely a good association. Prefer it as a long name for Harry too, over Henry or Harrison. If you love it go for it!

Congratulations! Smile

pilates · 18/02/2011 09:53

Prefer Harry.

CuppaTeaJanice · 18/02/2011 09:52

Harris is much nicer than Harrison which seems to be used a lot these days.

The only associations I can think of are Harris Tweed, Rolf Harris and cockney rhyming slang - Arris = Aristotle = Bottle & Glass = Arse. Also arris is a process used in the glass industry, and means to grind the sharp edges and corners off a sheet of glass.

EauRouge · 18/02/2011 09:49

I really like Harris! Much nicer than Harrison and I think it's nice to have a 'proper' name on the birth certificate so he's got the choice when he's older. I think you should go for it, be brave Grin

GrumpyFish · 18/02/2011 09:42

I think they are both nice and really can't see why you'd get any adverse reaction to either (also in Scotland).

pointydog · 17/02/2011 22:54

I think it works quite well in scotland as I'd think of the island too.

It's quite a modern thing to name babies after islands and older people will possibly look askance.

Original poster
earlgreyismynectar · 17/02/2011 22:44

Argh! Really??? Well I'm in Scotland so not here... Yes, I like Harry as it is but not the more traditional Henry / Harold, I thought Harris as in the isle of (along with Lewis, Iona & Skye) worked as well but perhaps I'm complicating things. I'm really hormonal & unable to think straight Hmm

OP posts:
mummypontipine · 17/02/2011 22:43

harris is ok if your surname isn't tweed or tweedie personally i prefer harry

EightiesChick · 17/02/2011 22:40

I like Harry. I'd just go for that.

meditrina · 17/02/2011 22:40

PS: that was meant as explanation - not intended to dishearten. If you think about it, it's no different to Willy or Dick or Louis.

meditrina · 17/02/2011 22:38

I think Harry is a lovely name as it is. It could be short for henry, Harold and its older (Nordic?) form Harald.

Harris might be problematic if you live in an area which drops its aitches, especially the East End, as Aris is slang for arse.

BooBooGlass · 17/02/2011 22:29

I really don't like Harris as a first name. WHy not go for Henry as a formal name and just call him Harry? Or if you're going to call him Harry regardless, then why not just register him as Harry?