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Last Name Moal

What is the origin of the last name Moal?

The last name "Moal" appears to have origins that are not immediately clear due to its uncommon nature. It could potentially have various origins across different cultures and countries. In English-speaking regions, it might be a variant or short form of personal names like 'Mohale' (which means "one who is conceived or born in winter") from the Sesotho language of Southern Africa. In French, 'Moal' could be a regional variation of the surname 'Maillard', which means 'baker' in Old French. However, without more specific information or context about where this last name originated or who carries it, it is challenging to provide a definitive answer. It may be helpful to research genealogy or cultural background for further insight into the origins of "Moal" as a surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Moal

The meaning and origin of the last name Moal

The surname Moal is of French origin and is derived from a geographical location or an occupational name. Originally, it was likely a toponymic surname for someone who lived near a moor or marshy area called "Moua" in Old French, which evolved into "Moal" over time. It could also be an occupational name for a miller, as the term "moulin" (mill) in French is related to the surname. The spelling variations of this name include Moall, Mool, and Moule, among others, due to phonetic changes over centuries. As with many surnames, the exact origin of Moal can be challenging to determine due to historical recording inconsistencies and migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Moal

The surname Moal is predominantly distributed in France and its surrounding regions, notably in the southwestern department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, where it originates from. It also has significant presence in neighboring departments like Landes and Gers. Beyond France, individuals with the name Moal can be found in other European countries such as Spain, Italy, and Belgium, primarily among migrants or descendants of French immigrants. A small number of people with the surname Moal can also be found in former French colonies, particularly in North Africa, and in some parts of the Americas, primarily Canada, where French-speaking populations have historically settled. The name's geographical distribution is therefore mostly concentrated in the Western European region, reflecting its historical origins.

Variants and spellings of the last name Moal

The surname Moal (or M'Oal) has several variations and spellings, depending on regional dialects and historical influences. Some common variants include: Moole, Mool, Moule, Mole, Mollo, and Mull. These variations can be found in various countries such as France, Belgium, England, and the United States. The name is often of Norman or Celtic origin, derived from the Old French word "mule" which means "mule," reflecting a common occupational surname for someone who worked with mules. Another possibility is that it's of Gaelic origin, where Mol or Mull could be derived from the Gaelic word "maol" meaning "slave" or "devotee." The spelling can also vary due to phonetic changes over time and geographical differences in pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Moal

Notable individuals with the surname Moal include:

1. Jean-Pierre Moal (1938-2017), a French theoretical physicist and professor at the University of Paris VII, renowned for his work in nuclear and particle physics.

2. Antoine Moal (born 1964), a French musician and composer, known as one of the founding members of the French progressive rock band Ange.

3. Pierre Moal (1857-1903), a French painter who specialized in still life and landscapes, exhibited at the Paris Salon and was part of the Barbizon School movement.

4. Mathieu Moal (born 1986), a French rugby union player, currently playing for Castres Olympique in the Top 14.

5. Marie-Rose Moal (1923-2016), a French actress, who appeared in films such as "The Green Cockatoo" and "The Nightingale of Paris."

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields including physics, music, painting, sports, and film.

Genealogical research on the last name Moal

The Moal surname is of French origin and is derived from the occupational name "Maule" or "Maoul," which referred to someone who was a maker or seller of mauls, a type of pole used for various tasks such as turning wheels or raising sails. The name first appeared in Normandy during the Middle Ages and then spread across Europe following the 1066 Norman Conquest of England. Some notable bearers of the Moal surname include Jean Moal, a French soldier who fought in the Hundred Years' War, and Jean-Baptiste Moal, a prominent Huguenot pastor during the French Reformation. The name is also found among Jewish families in France, where it was sometimes spelled as Mal or Moyal. The distribution of the surname today includes significant populations in France, England, Canada, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 12 June 2025

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