UK name, mostly girls
Parris
French name from a surname that was derived from the region of Paris.
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2012. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Parris is mostly registered for girls in the UK records. People looking for Parris popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2012 in this profile. In that release it ranked #5876, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 1999, with 32 births.
This profile covers 156 England and Wales registrations across 14 recorded years from 1996 to 2012. 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.
The latest count is about 9% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 155 living people in the UK are called Parris. 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 2013 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Parris ranked #5876 for girls in England and Wales in 2012, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 1999, when 32 girls were registered as Parris.
- • About 155 living people in the UK are estimated to have Parris as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
- • Across the England and Wales records shown here, 93.4% of Parris registrations are for girls.
Latest rank (E&W)
#5876
2012
Births in 2012
3
Latest year
Peak year
1999
32 births
Estimated living
155
2026
Gender
Boy and girl registrations for Parris
In England and Wales birth records, Parris has been registered for both boys and girls. Across the years shown here, 6.6% of registrations are for boys and 93.4% are for girls.
These figures use the sex categories in the published baby-name files. They are useful for spotting how the name is used at registration, but they are not a live measure of gender identity or everyone living with the name today.
Parris registered for boys
- Ranked #3,036 in 2000
- 3 boys registered in 2000
- Peak: 1997 (5 births)
Parris registered for girls
- Ranked #5,876 in 2012
- 3 girls registered in 2012
- Peak: 1999 (32 births)
Meaning
What does Parris mean?
The name Parris is of Greek origin and is derived from the ancient Greek word "parrēsia," which means "freedom of speech" or "boldness." This name has been in use since ancient times and has been associated with individuals known for their outspokenness and fearless expression of ideas.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Parris dates back to the 4th century AD, when it was mentioned in the writings of the Greek philosopher Plutarch. Plutarch made reference to a man named Parris who was known for his eloquence and ability to sway audiences with his powerful oratory skills.
In the Middle Ages, the name Parris gained popularity among Christian communities, particularly in Europe. One notable figure from this period was Parris of Poitiers, a 12th-century French cleric and scholar who was renowned for his teachings on theology and philosophy.
During the Renaissance, the name Parris became more widespread, and several individuals bearing this name made significant contributions to various fields. One such person was Parris Mitchell, an English poet and playwright born in 1592. His works were widely acclaimed for their wit and satire, and he was considered a prominent figure in the literary circles of his time.
In the 18th century, Parris Henry, an American Revolutionary War soldier and politician, gained recognition for his role in the fight for independence. Born in 1736, he served in the Continental Army and later became a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, where he advocated for the rights of the common people.
Another notable figure with the name Parris was Parris Kilvert, a 19th-century English clergyman and diarist. Born in 1840, Kilvert is remembered for his detailed and insightful diaries, which provide a vivid account of life in Victorian England and offer a window into the social and cultural norms of that era.
Throughout history, the name Parris has been associated with individuals who have exhibited courage, eloquence, and a commitment to their beliefs. Whether in the fields of literature, politics, or religion, those bearing this name have often left a lasting impact on their respective societies and times.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Parris over time
The chart below compares boys and girls registered as Parris in England and Wales, from 1996 to 2012. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Parris, the clearest high point is 1999. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2012, compared with 32 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Parris by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Parris 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | #5831 | 6 | 2 |
| 2000s | #2329 | 75 | 8 |
| 1990s | #1214 | 75 | 4 |
Related
Names similar to Parris
- Poppy 52,802
- Phoebe 47,609
- Paige 24,717
- Penelope 13,109
- Pippa 6,346
- Polly 5,678
- Philippa 4,446
- Penny 4,394
- Paris 4,372
- Piper 3,961
- Pearl 3,516
- Paisley 3,419
FAQ
Parris: questions and answers
How popular is the name Parris in the UK right now?
In 2012, Parris was ranked #5876 for girls in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Parris most popular?
The peak year on record was 1999, with 32 babies registered as Parris in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Parris?
French name from a surname that was derived from the region of Paris.
How many people are called Parris in the UK?
A total of 156 babies have been registered as Parris across the 14 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.