Harrison

The word “Harrison” means a northern English surname originating as a patronymic, a male given name, and the name of numerous towns across the United States.

“Harrison” is pronounced HA-rih-suhn (/ˈhæɹ.ɪ.sən/ in IPA).

Here is “Harrison” used in a sentence: “George Harrison was the lead guitarist of the Beatles.”

“Harrison” is a name.

“Harrison” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Harrison is a northern English surname that originated as a patronymic, meaning a surname formed from the father's given name; it is generally understood as "son of Harry". It later spread widely and is also used as a male first name and as the name of numerous towns across the United States.

Harrison is both. It began as a northern English surname, but like many patronymic surnames it has also become an established male given name. In the United States it additionally appears as a place name for numerous towns.

Both are English patronymic surnames formed from the same medieval given name. Harrison uses the explicit "-son" ending meaning "son of", while Harris uses a possessive "-s" ending that expressed the same relationship. They arose as parallel forms rather than one deriving from the other.

Add a plain "-s": "the Harrisons are coming to dinner". No apostrophe is used for the plural, so "the Harrison's" is incorrect on signs or cards. The possessive forms are "Harrison's" for one person and "the Harrisons'" for the whole family.