Surname Hurliss - Meaning and Origin

Hurliss: What does the surname Hurliss mean?

The last name Hurliss is believed to have originated in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and may possibly have derived from “Hurless” or “Hurliss”, two like-sounding but separate names. The name Hurless derives from the Old English word “hyrst” (meaning a wood or grove), and was indicative of a person who lived near such a place. Hurliss, on the other hand, could have derived from a variation of “Hurle”, an occupational name describing a person who cut or hurled wood.

Historically, those bearing the Hurliss last name can be traced to the 17th century in Scotland, when Gilbert Hurlesen was noted in a census record taken in 1690 in the town of Kirkcudbright. There is further speculation that Hurliss may have descended from the Norsemen, as folk stories from Shetland tell of a man named Harold Lysgard, whom many believe to be the same Harold Hurliss who was known to have lived in Scotland at the time.

Whether the last name of Hurliss has Swedish, English, or even Norse roots, one thing is certain—its origin has given this family their unique legacy. Today, many with the Hurliss surname continue to call Scotland and Northern Ireland home, carrying on their proud legacy and lives there with pride.

Hurliss: Where does the name Hurliss come from?

The last name Hurliss today is found predominantly in the United States and Canada, although there are also pockets of the name in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and parts of Europe.

In the United States, the name Hurliss is quite common in the midwestern states of Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Routing of the name is found in a specific area near Lake St. Clair in Michigan's Macomb County. It is unclear exactly why the name concentrates around that particular area, but it is possible that some of its earliest settlers had ties to the region.

In Canada, the name Hurliss is most common in Ontario, although it has spread to other provinces, as well. Interestingly, the name seems to concentrate in a few distinct areas near the towns of Ottawa, London, and Toronto.

Overall, the last name Hurliss is still a fairly common name and may have some historical ties to certain regions in the United States and Canada. As, with many family names, however, the exact origins of the name are difficult to determine.

Variations of the surname Hurliss

The surname Hurliss is derived from the Old English term "hyrneels", meaning "someone who lives near a corner of a hill". Variations of this surname include Harnell, Harle, Herle, Hurle, Jerles, Hurless, Hurlless, Orliss, and Urliss.

The name Hurliss is often seen spelled as Harles, Harlis, Herles, Horles, Hurls, or Hurlis. In the United States, the surname is commonly spelled as Harriet, Hurley, and Hurly. In Scotland, this surname is also found as Harnell. Other spellings include Hurles, Horle, Jerles, Harlis, Herle, Hersle, Hirlis, and Orliss.

Variations of the surname Hurliss have been found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, France, the Netherlands, and the United States.

As with any surname, the spelling of the name Hurliss is often found to be different across time and regions. Variations of the spelling can be attributed to the various dialects spoken in the areas in which the surname is found, the scribes of the time, regional literacy, and the languages and spellings of immigrants.

In the United States, the spelling of the surname Hurliss has changed over time to the variations of Hurley and Hurly. Various other surnames are linked to this family line, such as Harle, Harrell, Herle, and Urliss.

Overall, the surname Hurliss is a variation of the Old English word "hyrneels", which generally refers to someone who lived in a corner of a hill. The variations and spellings of this surname are numerous, from Harnell and Harle to Harriet, Hurley, and Hurly.

Famous people with the name Hurliss

• Tyler Hurliss: an American actor best known for his work on the TV show "Grandfathered" and the movie "Rough Night".
• Henry Hurliss: the founder of the serial publication Shabdang Quarterly and the International Journal of Shabdang Contemporary Literature.
• Mary Emma Hurliss: a stage actress active in the early to mid-twentieth century who appeared in a variety of Broadway productions.
• Kari Hurliss: an American author and journalist who has written for a number of prominent media outlets, notably The New York Times.
• William Hurliss: a biologist who developed physiological techniques used to study the physiological mechanisms of living organisms.
• Joseph Hurliss: a prominent painter who was well known for his animal and country scenes.
• Emmett Hurliss: an American film and television director known for his work on the hit series "Lost".
• Edith Hurliss: a writer of short stories and travelogues who also wrote for periodicals including The Saturday Evening Post.
• Steven Hurliss: an American painter, traveler and illustrator known for his detailed paintings and his exploration of Native American cultures.
• Bruce Hurliss: a prominent American poet and literary critic who was active in the 1960s and 1970s.

Other surnames

Hurlihy