Surname Moor - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
A DNA Revelation: Unraveling My Moorish Lineage through iGENEA's DNA Test
After experiencing the precision and technological advance of the iGENEA DNA test, I have discovered a deeper understanding of my surname, 'Moor'. The test's focus on Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA was revealing, tracing my ancestry back to the Middle Ages' Berber and Arab tribes in North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. The specific markers in my maternal and paternal lines have confirmed my roots beyond any doubt, adding a rich history to my identity.
E. Moor
read moreMoor: What does the surname Moor mean?
The surname Moor has multiple origins. In English, it is a topographic name for someone who lived on a moor or in a heath, deriving from the Middle English term 'more' which means 'moor' or 'fen'. In the Middle High German language, the term 'mor' signifies 'swamp' or 'marsh', so people living in these areas could have adopted 'Moor' as their surname.
It could also be an ethnic name from the same term used for North African people from Morocco, prominent in Spain during the Middle Ages. The term 'Moor' descended from the Latin term 'Maurus' which means 'man from Mauretania', an ancient kingdom in North Africa.
In Irish, the surname is an Anglicized form of 'Ó Mordha' which means 'descendant of Mordha', a Gaelic byname which means 'majestic'. It was the name of a Gaelic-Irish clan seated in Leix.
It's also possible that some instances were adopted by Jews as an Americanization of several like-sounding Jewish surnames.
In summary, the last name Moor varies in its meaning reflecting geographical ties, ancestral connections, or ethnic origins.
Order DNA origin analysisMoor: Where does the name Moor come from?
The last name Moor is commonly found in Europe, particularly in England, Germany, and Austria. In England, Moors are most common in the area of Devon and Cornwall, where Moors, a type of rural grassland common in this area, are abundant. Many Moors in England come from families with a long history in the country and can trace their roots back to the Middle Ages.
In Germany, the last name Moor is particularly common in Baden-Württemberg, which has the highest concentration of Moors of any state in Germany. Many of the families here trace their roots back to the same families living in Devon and Cornwall during the Middle Ages.
In Austria, the last name Moor is most common in Carinthia and Styria, two historically Catholic regions of Austria. During the Middle Ages, many families of Bavarian origin migrated to these regions, which could explain the prevalence of the last name there today.
The last name Moor is also found in the United States, where it is fairly common, though much less so than in Europe. It is particularly common in the New England and Southeastern regions of the United States, where it is most likely descended from British and German immigrants. It is also found in Canada, among the descendants of British and German settlers.
Variations of the surname Moor
The surname Moor has a variety of spellings, variants, and associated surnames. These variants are reflective of different languages and dialects from different countries. In Germany, for instance, variants of the surname include Mohr, Maurer, Mueller, and More. In France, variants of the surname include Moreau, Morel, and Mordant. The English variant of the surname Moor is Moore; it is also spelled as Moors and More. Other common English variants are Mores, Mordens, and Moores.
In Scotland, the surnames including Moray, Muir, and Muirhead can all be linked with the Moor surname. In Ireland, forms of the surname can also be found, with most of the spellings being MacMurchadha or simply Murragh. The surname Moore can also be found in Africa, as the Mor- prefix was adopted by many families who converted to the Islamic faith.
In Dutch-speaking countries, like Belgium, the Netherlands, and South Africa, the surname can be found as de Moor, or Van de Moor (meaning of the Moor). The van de Moor spelling is a patronymic form of the surname, meaning that the Van has been added in front as a link to the father's name. Other spellings of this variant are Van der Meer (meaning of the lake) and Von Meur, which is the German form of the Dutch surname van de Moor.
The Moor surname is an old Anglo-Saxon surname, which has various regional variations across the English-speaking world. Each variant of the surname has its own unique etymology and meaning depending on the language and region.
Famous people with the name Moor
- Ashton Moor: British actor, known for his roles in the TV series Ackley Bridge and DCI Banks.
- Summer Moore: American fitness guru and personal trainer, known for her motivational fitness videos on her YouTube channel and Instagram.
- Danny Moor: Canadian hockey player, who won a silver medal at the 2013 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships with Team Canada.
- Fred Moore: American Animator, most famously known for animating Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for Disney.
- Pedro Moor: Brazilian politician, who served as President of Brazil from 1999 to 2003.
- Eric Moore: American drummer, songwriter and composer, known for being part of the bands "The Eric Moore Experience" and Korn.
- Tommy Moore: Professional golfer, who won several PGA Tour events during the 1940s.
- Skye Moore: American actor, known for her roles in the films Flags of our Fathers, Leatherheads and The Babymakers.
- Sam Moor: Scottish professional footballer, who currently plays for Charlton Athletic.
- Tasman Moor: Australian artist, known for his vibrant and energetic artwork that channels the spirit of optimism and endless possibilities of the future.