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Baby names

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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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TheNightingalesStarling · 15/11/2025 19:32

FancyBiscuitsLevel · 15/11/2025 19:13

Interesting thought from this- can think of lots of woman/girls given a traditionally male name (the various James’, Harpers etc) but I can’t think of a single man/boy with a name that is traditionally female- with the exception of those who identify as a woman/girl.

Alice Cooper?

But yes... he is pretty much the only one.

tommyhoundmum · 15/11/2025 19:31

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!

Tweed

Emanwenym · 15/11/2025 19:28

@JennyBG Carys. It’s a beautiful name Not when you were at school with dozens of them it isn't.

Summerbean · 15/11/2025 19:25

OvenChick · 15/11/2025 09:42

Too close to arris I.e. arse

My initial thought. Next thought was carpet.

Skybluepinky · 15/11/2025 19:24

No just awful, use a proper name, kids don’t thank their parents for trying to be different especially when it’s a dreadful name like Harris.

Gentlydoesit2 · 15/11/2025 19:24

Nope

RoamingToaster · 15/11/2025 19:22

I really dislike the trend of using Scottish boys names for girls.

JennyBG · 15/11/2025 19:21

Spelt the Welsh way, Carys means love ❤️ and is definitely a girls name. Catherine Zeta Jones’ daughter is called Carys. It’s a beautiful name, and certainly not made up.

Itsthegingerone · 15/11/2025 19:20

Carys and Cerys are established, and normal, Welsh girls names! Cerys Matthews? And pretty sure Catherine zeta jones’ daughter is called Carys. Anyway I digress…. Actually no, call her Carys instead!!

Zanatdy · 15/11/2025 19:18

It was the name of my kids school (named after the carpet man). I do know a male Harris but for a female not a fan.

Seajaye · 15/11/2025 19:17

Rolf comes to mind.

FancyBiscuitsLevel · 15/11/2025 19:13

Interesting thought from this- can think of lots of woman/girls given a traditionally male name (the various James’, Harpers etc) but I can’t think of a single man/boy with a name that is traditionally female- with the exception of those who identify as a woman/girl.

ChocolateCinderToffee · 15/11/2025 19:13

Can you imagine the teasing?! Just no. The name you heard by the way was Charis. She was a nymph in Ancient Greek legend.

PeonyBulb · 15/11/2025 18:59

Harris is awful for a boy let alone a girl

tara66 · 15/11/2025 18:58

NO - no, no, no.

Thisisnotmyid · 15/11/2025 18:38

No. Just no. It’s lovely name for a boy and it’s not a unisex name.

Trishyb10 · 15/11/2025 18:30

Every day in every situation your child will be asked “What…?and how do you spell it, it will drive her crazy, i,m all for an unusuall name but not something she will be questioned about all the time, could make her a shrinking violet, dont do it x

Moontwigdotcom · 15/11/2025 18:26

Rolf

Emanwenym · 15/11/2025 18:24

@CommonAsMucklowe ,And it's Carys not Karis.
Different names and different origins.
Karis is from 'charity'
Carys is from 'cariad' (love), but the word for love can mean charity.

LeftBoobGoneRogue · 15/11/2025 18:18

tiramisufiend · 15/11/2025 09:48

😁looks like its an almost unanimous no

And it a ‘no’ from me too.

CommonAsMucklowe · 15/11/2025 18:16

Absolutely not. And it's Carys not Karis.

sidebirds · 15/11/2025 18:13

This reply has been hidden

This reply has been hidden until the MNHQ team can have a look at it.

Needspaceforlego · 15/11/2025 18:11

Milliemoons · 15/11/2025 17:21

(Also I posted my eldest child’s name on here a few years ago asking what people’s opinion was and got the same sort of response but in real life people love it)

In RL people will be polite and say "thats lovely" which may or may not be what they really think.
MN gives people the real thoughts of people.

Harris / Haris are both boys names with completely different origins.

etcher70 · 15/11/2025 18:02

My son is called Harris, named after the island. I love it and it really suits him.

TansySorrel · 15/11/2025 17:54

I think of Harris Academy as I live in an area where there are lots. Harris tweed as well I guess