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Baby names

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

Original poster

Harris…for a girl?

313 replies

tiramisufiend · 15/11/2025 09:38

AIBU?

I misheard the name “Karis” a few weeks ago and thought, ‘Harris as a girl’s name, how cool.’

I’ve done some superficial research and it seems that Harris is mostly used a boy’s first name, if at all, as it is a surname, really.

But I think it’s very fresh and cosmopolitan, and I like the unisex vibe.

What comes to mind when you think of a girl called Harris? Thoughts welcome!

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Lifelover16 · 15/11/2025 11:14

I agree with @OvenChick - too close to arris (arse)
And makes me think of the odious Rolf Harris

jay55 · 15/11/2025 11:14

Makes me think of the schools.

Vitriolinsanity · 15/11/2025 11:14

It’s also slang here for arse.

LilyGeorge · 15/11/2025 11:13

usedtobeaylis · 15/11/2025 11:00

The thing is, it's not a common name for boys. Hardly anyone has it as a first name outside of Scotland, and in Scotland it's not that common either, it's not a 'mainstream' name. It's on a par with something like Brodie. It totally works as a girls name imo.

Also as someone who sees job applications daily, I don't bat an eye at any name.

Harris is the 9th most popular boys name in Scotland (2024 figures). You might not know may not know any personally but it’s definitely a mainstream name.

Brodie was down at 16.

CryMyEyesViolet · 15/11/2025 11:06

I actually really like it, it has the same sort of vibes as Sloane which I also love - but probably wouldn’t use either unless baby was being brought up in America.

FWIW, I don’t like it for a boy.

Benjithedog · 15/11/2025 11:05

No it’s stupid name

seaelephant · 15/11/2025 11:01

I think it's lovely, Harris is my favourite of the Scottish isles and makes me think of gorgeous tropical blue seas and white sandy beaches. I do love boys' names as girls' names though, Michael is one of my faves

usedtobeaylis · 15/11/2025 11:00

The thing is, it's not a common name for boys. Hardly anyone has it as a first name outside of Scotland, and in Scotland it's not that common either, it's not a 'mainstream' name. It's on a par with something like Brodie. It totally works as a girls name imo.

Also as someone who sees job applications daily, I don't bat an eye at any name.

PInkyStarfish · 15/11/2025 10:53

When people have these idiotic ideas for baby names do they ever once consider the future where the name will seen on job applications or their child will have to introduce themselves to influential people with regards to their career?

hairbearbunches · 15/11/2025 10:50

I can imagine friends elongating it to Harissa 😮

Needmorelego · 15/11/2025 10:47

therole · 15/11/2025 10:42

Harris Academy comes to mind

Yes unfortunately by living in South East London that's my thinking too 😂😂😂

Bellyblueboy · 15/11/2025 10:46

It’s very American. In the reboot of Roseanne, Darlene’s daughter is called Harris. They are aiming for working class middle America - so assume it must be popular enough in the states as a girls name.

therole · 15/11/2025 10:42

Harris Academy comes to mind

ladygindiva · 15/11/2025 10:39

Just leaving this here. Mumsnetters crack me up in that if a name isn't everyday then it must be " made up". Fwiw opi wouldn't use Harris as it definitely seems male but Karis / Charis is lovely, not made up and way better than the dull Anna/ Emma/ Jane type names everyone fawns over on this site

Harris…for a girl?
ExquisiteSocialSkills · 15/11/2025 10:39

I know a female Ellis and that works really well.

Needmorelego · 15/11/2025 10:36

Kingsleadhat · 15/11/2025 09:46

Harris was a girl's name in the Rosesanne spinoff sitcom The Conners. I'm not much on surnames as first names, but I quite liked this one

Wasn't Harris a family surname in the show?

Imbusytodaysorry · 15/11/2025 10:35

@tiramisufiend Posters saying they know dogs called Harris I am sure they do just like dogs called Skye and all other sorts of names .
personally I like it . I however love everything Scottish and the isles .
Im not sure I’d blink if I heard a girl called Harris. I’d maybe think “oh that’s different “ 😊

DisforDarkChocolate · 15/11/2025 10:35

Naming children isn't about a vibe, and this name certainly doesn't have a unisex one.

Catsandcwtches · 15/11/2025 10:34

I’d feel sorry for her if I met a little Harris (just being honest). She will be forever repeating it to people who think they’re mishearing it when they meet her. Unless she shortens it to Harry

Wbeezer · 15/11/2025 10:31

I’d think you were trying to be like American celebs or influencers who think it’s cool to call girls “ James” or “Cameron”. As previous posters have said is a popular boys name in Scotland, not top ten and a bit middle class but not unusual, I know small boys, grown men and a dog called Harris!

Imbusytodaysorry · 15/11/2025 10:31

ActYourAge · 15/11/2025 09:41

It's daft and made up

How did you manage to come to that conclusion ?

GehenSieweiter · 15/11/2025 10:27

Harris is a male name.

StrongandNorthern · 15/11/2025 10:26

'Karis' is usually spelled Carys, or Cerys and is Welsh by origin.
Lovely name.
Harris - less so ... sounds like a dog.

Tamfs · 15/11/2025 10:26

What about Maris? If you like the general sound of the name.

Not Harris.

Nanny0gg · 15/11/2025 10:23

tiramisufiend · 15/11/2025 09:38

AIBU?

I misheard the name “Karis” a few weeks ago and thought, ‘Harris as a girl’s name, how cool.’

I’ve done some superficial research and it seems that Harris is mostly used a boy’s first name, if at all, as it is a surname, really.

But I think it’s very fresh and cosmopolitan, and I like the unisex vibe.

What comes to mind when you think of a girl called Harris? Thoughts welcome!

I never understand these posts.

If you want something different then own it! (Even though it's the child who has to live with it)

If you actually need opinions, then I've never heard it used other than as a surname for either sex

And I would vote No.