English
The name 'Morriss originates from Scotland. It is a variant of the English name 'Morris', a derivative of the personal name 'Maurice', introduced to Britain by the Norman's. ( derived from the Latin name 'Mauritius', a derivative of 'Maurus' ), this was borne by several minor early Christian saints, including a 3rd Century. Swiss martyr. Compiled information from Historical and Private archive's has confirmed that the surname 'Morse' and or it's variant's, dates as far back as the 16th century were a 'Mary Mors', is recorded as getting married to a 'Silvester Stewely', from London, England, in 1555. Historical archive's have been unable to definitely determine the exact period of settlement in North America but It is believed that the forefather's of this surname were part of the exodus of migrants that followed the Treaty of Peace signed in Paris in 1763, when great Britain obtained ownership of the whole of North America east of the Missisipi River excepting New Orleans. The chief reasons causing working class people to emigrate were, poor crop yields, high unemployment, and the misconception that America was a land of golden opportunity. It is has been estimated that after 1769 some 20,000 persons a year migrated to the Americas from the British Isles. Today, 'Morse' is the '628th' most common surname in North America.