UK boy's name
Moris
A masculine given name of Greek origin meaning "dark complexioned".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2023. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Moris is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Moris popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2023 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4991, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2023, with 3 births.
This profile covers 3 England and Wales registrations across 1 recorded years from 2023 to 2023. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
Moris is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.
We estimate that about 3 living people in the UK are called Moris. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2024 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Moris ranked #4991 for boys in England and Wales in 2023, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2023, when 3 boys were registered as Moris.
- • About 3 living people in the UK are estimated to have Moris as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4991
2023
Births in 2023
3
Latest year
Peak year
2023
3 births
Estimated living
3
2026
Meaning
What does Moris mean?
The name Moris has its origins in the ancient Greek language, deriving from the word "moros," which means "foolish" or "dull." This name emerged during the classical period of Greek civilization, around the 5th century BCE. It was initially a derogatory term used to describe someone lacking intelligence or wisdom.
Over time, the name Moris evolved and gained acceptance as a personal name. It spread across the Mediterranean region, particularly in areas influenced by Greek culture and trade routes. Variations of the name, such as Morris, Maurice, and Mauricio, also emerged in different languages and cultures.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Moris can be found in ancient Greek literature, including the works of the playwright Aristophanes, who lived from around 446 BCE to 386 BCE. In his comedies, Aristophanes used the name Moris as a character, likely referencing its original meaning of foolishness.
Throughout history, several notable figures bore the name Moris. One prominent example is Moris the Elder, a Byzantine scholar and philosopher who lived in the 11th century CE. He is known for his contributions to the fields of logic and metaphysics.
Another historical figure with the name Moris was Moris of Crete, a 13th-century Venetian explorer and trader. He is credited with establishing trade routes between Venice and the Levant region, contributing to the flourishing of the Venetian Republic's maritime empire.
In the realm of literature, Moris Blanchot was a prominent 20th-century French writer and philosopher. Born in 1907 and died in 2003, he was known for his influential works on literature, philosophy, and critical theory.
Moris Meszaros, a Hungarian-born film director and screenwriter, also left a lasting impact on the world of cinema. Born in 1929, he is renowned for his politically charged and socially conscious films, such as "Diary for My Children" and "Diary for My Parents."
Lastly, Moris Farhi, a Turkish-British writer and playwright, made significant contributions to literature and theater. Born in 1935, he is best known for his novels and plays that explore themes of identity, displacement, and cultural fusion.
While the name Moris may have originated from a less flattering meaning, it has transcended its initial connotation and become a respected and widely used name throughout history. Its rich cultural heritage and the accomplishments of those who bore this name have contributed to its enduring legacy.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Decades
Moris by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Moris was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #4991 | 3 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Moris
- Matthew 80,931
- Mohammed 74,321
- Muhammad 72,235
- Max 59,807
- Michael 47,075
- Mason 38,935
- Mohammad 25,910
- Morgan 15,994
- Muhammed 11,527
- Mark 11,336
- Marcus 11,257
- Maxwell 10,006
FAQ
Moris: questions and answers
How popular is the name Moris in the UK right now?
In 2023, Moris was ranked #4991 for boys in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Moris most popular?
The peak year on record was 2023, with 3 babies registered as Moris in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Moris?
A masculine given name of Greek origin meaning "dark complexioned".
How many people are called Moris in the UK?
A total of 3 babies have been registered as Moris across the 1 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.