Norris is an English surname. In some cases it is derived from the Middle English norreis, noreis, norais; and the Anglo-Norman French noreis. In such cases the surname derived from elements meaning "northerner", and referred to people from somewhere to the north, or more generally northern England and Scotland or Northern Europe. In other cases, the surname is derived from the Middle English personal name Norreis, which is in turn derived from norreis.[1] In other cases the surname is derived from the Middle English norice, nurice; and the Old French norrice, nurrice. In such cases, the surname is derived from elements meaning "nurse", "foster parent".[2]