Last Name De-Moura

The surname "De-Moura" is of Portuguese origin. In medieval times, Portuguese families often took their surnames from the local geographical features like mountains, rivers, or landmarks. In this case, "De-Moura" means "of the Moor" or "from the Moors," which refers to the Muslim invaders who ruled parts of Portugal during the Middle Ages. The term "Moor" was originally used to describe inhabitants of North Africa, particularly those from present-day Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, but over time it came to encompass all Muslims in Iberia (present-day Spain and Portugal).

Learn more about the origin of the last name De-Moura

The meaning and origin of the last name De-Moura

The surname De-Moura is of Portuguese origin and is derived from a place name or occupational name. "De" is a prefix that means "from" or "of," while "Moura" refers to a Moor, a person of Moorish origin, or someone who lived in a place named Moura. The Moors were North African Muslims who invaded and occupied large parts of the Iberian Peninsula (present-day Portugal and Spain) from the 8th to the 15th century. As these territories were reclaimed by Christians, many people with Moorish ancestry remained in the region, adopting Christian names but keeping their Moorish surnames as a reminder of their history. Over time, these surnames spread throughout Portugal and its colonies, including Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. Today, De-Moura is a relatively uncommon surname, but it remains an important part of the cultural heritage of Portuguese-speaking communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name De-Moura

The surname De-Moura has its origins in Portugal and is predominantly found in regions such as Alentejo, Algarve, and Lisbon. Due to historical events like the Age of Discoveries, Portuguese colonization, and migration waves, the name has also spread across South America, particularly Brazil, where it ranks among the top 50,000 surnames. Additionally, some De-Mouras can be found in African countries like Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Guinea-Bissau, which were former Portuguese colonies. In North America, the name has been traced to immigrants from Portugal who settled in areas such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and California. Overall, the De-Moura surname is primarily associated with the Lusophone world, but its presence can also be found in diaspora communities globally.

Variants and spellings of the last name De-Moura

The surname De-Moura has several variations and spellings. Some common variants include de Moura, da Moura, De Moura, Da Moura, and Demoura. The name is Portuguese in origin and means "from the moor" or "of the Moors". It can also be found among people of African descent who have Portuguese ancestry. In some cases, the name may also be spelled as de Moras, da Moras, De Moras, Da Moras, or Demoras. In English speaking countries, it might occasionally be anglicized to DeMora, Demora, or even De More or De Morea. These variations reflect differences in regional pronunciation and orthographic conventions within the Portuguese language.

Famous people with the last name De-Moura

Notable individuals with the surname De Moura include:

1. José de Moura (1934-2010), a Portuguese lawyer, diplomat, and politician who served as the President of the Assembly of the Republic from 1996 to 2001.

2. José Mourinho (born 1963), a Portuguese professional football manager and former player. Known for his tactical prowess and fiery personality, he has managed some of the world's top football clubs such as Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.

3. José Eduardo dos Santos de Moura (born 1942), an Angolan politician who served as the President of Angola from 1979 to 2017. He was a key figure in the country's struggle for independence and played a significant role in shaping post-independence Angola.

4. António de Moura, a Portuguese historian, writer, and diplomat who lived in the 16th century. He is best known for his historical works, including "História de D. Sebastião" (History of King Sebastian) and "Crónica da Vida e Conquistas de El-Rei Dom João III" (Chronicle of the Life and Conquests of King John III).

5. Francisco de Moura (c.1480–1522), a Portuguese humanist scholar who was one of the founders of the University of Coimbra's Faculty of Arts. He also served as the Royal Chaplain and tutor to King Manuel I's son, the future John III of Portugal.

Genealogical research on the last name De-Moura

The surname De-Moura is predominantly of Portuguese origin, specifically from the region of Minho and Trás-os-Montes. It is derived from the occupational name "mourao," meaning miller, or from the toponymic name for someone who lived near a mill. The name can be found in various regions of Portugal since the Middle Ages, with some branches migrating to other countries due to historical events such as the Age of Discoveries and political upheavals. In Brazil, a significant number of De-Mouras can be traced back to the 16th century when Portuguese settlers arrived. The family is also present in Angola, Mozambique, Goa (India), and other countries with a significant Portuguese diaspora. The lineage has produced numerous figures of note throughout history, including clergy, military personnel, politicians, and artists.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "De-Moura"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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