Last Name Marimootoo

The surname Marimootoo is of French Creole origin and has its roots in Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is derived from the Hindu name "Mahadeva Murti" or "Lord Shiva's Image," which was adapted by enslaved Africans who were brought to Mauritius during colonial times. The Creoles, a mix of African, French, Malagasy, Chinese, and Indian cultures, developed their own unique language known as Mauritian Creole, and many families have Creole surnames like Marimootoo as a result.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Marimootoo

The meaning and origin of the last name Marimootoo

The surname Marimootoo is of Indian-origin, specifically from Tamil Nadu, a state in Southern India. The name can be translated to mean 'Garland of Seas' or 'Crown of the Ocean'. It is derived from the Tamil words 'marai' (sea) and 'mudi' (crown/garland). This surname was likely brought to other regions, such as Mauritius, through Indian migration during the colonial period. In Mauritius, a country with a significant population of people of Indian descent, Marimootoo is a common surname. Over time, variations in spelling may have occurred due to differences in transcription or translation methods.

Geographical distribution of the last name Marimootoo

The last name Marimootoo is predominantly found in populations of French-speaking African countries, particularly Mauritius and Réunion island, both territories with a significant Creole population. This surname originates from the Indian subcontinent, specifically Tamil Nadu in India, due to historical migrations during colonial times. A small presence of Marimootoo can also be traced in other French-speaking countries like France and Canada, where the diaspora has settled over time. In Mauritius, it is one of the most common surnames, reflecting the island's diverse cultural heritage. In Réunion, it ranks among the top 200 surnames, a testament to its historical significance in that region as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Marimootoo

The surname Marimootoo has several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation and transcription over time and across regions. Some common variants include: Marimoorthy, Marimuthu, MariMootoo, Marimooto, Marimoothoo, Marimooutou, and Marimootoe. These variations may also appear with slight changes in the order of first and last names, such as Mootoo Marim or Mootoo-Marim. It's essential to note that these variants can be found among individuals of Indian, Creole, and other ethnicities from countries like Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname, South Africa, and France, where the name is prevalent. The root of the surname likely originates from the Tamil word "Mari-moottu," meaning "south wind" or "southern lands."

Famous people with the last name Marimootoo

Roshan Marimootoo is a prominent figure hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, known for his achievements as a politician. He served as Minister of Education in the People's National Movement government from 2010 to 2015. In Canada, Kamal Marimootoo has made significant strides in the field of medicine, serving as the President of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the Canadian Association of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Furthermore, Shereen Mariam is a notable actress from Canada, best known for her role in the TV series Workin' Moms. Lastly, Ravi Marimootoo, born in Mauritius, is a prominent businessman who has made significant contributions to the telecommunications sector in his home country. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments and impact of those bearing the last name Marimootoo across various fields globally.

Genealogical research on the last name Marimootoo

The Marimootoo surname originates from Mauritius and is of Indian descent, specifically from the Indo-Mauritian community. The name is believed to have roots in the Tamil language, where it could be derived from various terms such as "Maruthamuttu" or "Marimuthu," meaning 'beautiful garland' or 'Goddess of war.'

The Marimootoo family traces its origins to Indian indentured laborers who were brought to Mauritius during the 19th century by the British to work on sugarcane plantations following the abolition of slavery. Over time, many members of this community settled in other countries like South Africa, Canada, and France due to economic migration or political unrest.

Today, the Marimootoo surname is widespread among Indo-Mauritians and their diaspora communities, representing a rich heritage that blends Indian cultural traditions with the unique history of Mauritius and its creole culture. Genealogical research on this name would typically involve tracking ancestral records in Mauritius, India, and other countries where Marimootoos have settled.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "marimootoo"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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