Surname Moore - Meaning and Origin

The Emotional Odyssey of Discovering the Moore Lineage with iGENEA DNA

Ancestral exploration with iGENEA proved an emotional roller coaster for the author, offering new perspectives on the historic lineage of the Moore surname. The journey included anxious anticipation, overjoyed revelations and a sense of connection to fascinating global histories forever entwined with the Moore name.

G. Moore

Moore: What does the surname Moore mean?

The surname Moore has origins in England, Ireland and Scotland. In English and Scottish context, "Moore" means "open land" or "bog" and was often given to people who lived near a moor or a peat bog. The term was derived from the Old English word "mor," which translates to "moorland." Meanwhile, in Ireland, the surname Moore has two distinct Gaelic origins. First, it is derived from the name "O'Mordha," which means "descendant of Mordha" - a personal name meaning "the great one" or "proud and noble." Secondly, it comes from "O'Moghraidh," a popular personal name in medieval Ireland, which translates as "descendant of the majestic one." The Moore surname in Ireland can also be a form of the Irish "Ó Mordha." Over time, due to migration and anglicization, the name has been popularized and is now found worldwide. It carries various spelling variations including More, Moor, Moores, and others.

Moore: Where does the name Moore come from?

The last name Moore has both English and Irish origin. From English origin, the surname derived from the Middle English term "moor," denoting people who resided near a moor or heath. From its Irish origin, it originated from the Gaelic "O Mordha," with "O" meaning "descendant of," and "Mordha," translating to "stately and noble."

In the early 17th century, several Moores migrated to the United States and Australia as part of the British colonization efforts. Today, the surname Moore is common in these countries in addition to its original regions, the UK, and Ireland. According to recent census data, Moore is the 9th most popular surname in the United States, the 33rd most common in Australia, the 41st in England, and the 60th in Ireland. Therefore, the largest concentration of people with the Moore surname is in the United States. Apart from these, the surname is also found in Canada, New Zealand, Scotland, and South Africa.

Variations of the surname Moore

The surname Moore has several spelling variations and associated surnames that share the same origin, many of which originated from the Gaelic name "O'Mordha"; meaning "descendent of the great one." Variants include More, Moor, Moare, Moores, Moors, and Mores.

The name is often spelled with a single "o" such as More, which may also be a variant of the German name Moor or a Dutch name Mor, meaning "swamp." It also shares origins with the Scottish name Muir, which means "sea."

Surnames like O'More, O'Moore, and O'Mure are Irish variants. The name has also been Anglicized from the Irish name "Ó Mórdha."

But a word of caution, similar surnames may not have the same origin or meaning. For example, More could potentially be of French origin, carrying the meaning "dark-skinned." Similarly, Moor could also have German or Dutch origins, with meanings related to marsh or swampy lands. Therefore, historical and genealogical investigations may be necessary to determine the exact lineage and interpretation of these surnames.

Famous people with the name Moore

• Demi Moore: American actress known for roles in popular films like "Ghost" and "Striptease".
• Roger Moore: British actor famous for playing the role of James Bond in several films.
• Julianne Moore: An award-winning American actress who has starred in films such as "Boogie Nights" and "Still Alice".
• Michael Moore: American filmmaker and political commentator known for his controversial documentaries like "Fahrenheit 9/11".
• Mandy Moore: Singer-turned-actress, famous for roles in films like "A Walk to Remember"; currently stars in the TV series "This Is Us".
• Mary Tyler Moore: Legendary American actress known for iconic TV roles in "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show".
• Thomas Moore: Renowned Irish poet, songwriter, and entertainer.
• Dudley Moore: English actor, comedian and musician; starred in films like "10" and "Arthur".
• Alan Moore: Famous English writer known for graphic novels including "Watchmen", "V for Vendetta" and "From Hell".
• Gary Moore: Legendary Irish guitarist known for his solo work and as a member of bands like Thin Lizzy.
• Shemar Moore: American actor and model known for his roles in TV series "Criminal Minds" and "S.W.A.T.".
• Sir Patrick Moore: British astronomer, TV presenter and author.
• Terry Moore: American film actress, nominated for an Academy Award for "Come Back, Little Sheba".

Other surnames

MoorMoordackMoordickMoordockMoorduckMoorefieldMoorerMooresMoorhardtMoorhouseMoorlandMoorley