NomOrigine Background

Last Name Moar

What is the origin of the last name Moar?

The last name "Moar" has multiple possible origins. One potential origin is from Scotland, where it is derived from the Gaelic word "mor" meaning "big" or "great." In this context, 'Moar' might have been a descriptive surname given to someone physically large or of great importance. Another possible origin is from the Norman French surname "Moueir," meaning "person from Mohair" (a type of wool fabric). Over time, this surname could have been anglicized to "Moar." It's worth noting that last names can have various origins and different spellings throughout history, so the specific origin of the last name "Moar" may differ depending on the region and individual family history.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Moar

The meaning and origin of the last name Moar

The surname Moar is believed to have originated in Scotland. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Mór, meaning "great" or "big". The name was likely given to individuals who possessed physical or leadership qualities, emphasizing their stature or prominence. Over time, the surname Moar became an inherited family name, passed down from generation to generation. The Moar family name is most commonly found in the Orkney Islands in Scotland, where it has been present for centuries. The Orkney Islands have a rich history rooted in Norse influence, and it is possible that the surname Moar developed during this period. The name may also have spread to other parts of Scotland and beyond through migration and the diaspora of individuals seeking new opportunities. Today, individuals with the surname Moar can be found in various parts of the world, tracing their ancestral roots back to Scotland.

Geographical distribution of the last name Moar

The last name Moar has a relatively limited geographical distribution. It is primarily found in Scotland and Canada, with smaller populations in the United States and Australia. In Scotland, particularly in the Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands, the Moar surname has a stronger presence, likely due to its origin in the Norse language. These regions have historical ties to the Vikings, and Moar is believed to have originated as a variation of the Old Norse name "Mori." The migration of Scottish settlers to Canada and the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries led to the expansion of the Moar surname in these countries. In Canada, it can be found in provinces such as Manitoba and Alberta, where Scottish immigrants settled. While the distribution of the Moar last name is relatively sparse worldwide, it retains a significant presence in its Scottish and Canadian roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Moar

The last name "Moar" may have variations and alternative spellings depending on cultural and regional differences. Variations of the name could include "More," "Moor," "Moore," and "Morr." These variations might arise from different accents, dialects, or misspellings that occurred throughout history. Additionally, the name might have different spellings in various countries or languages, such as "Meur" in French or "Muhr" in German. In some cases, individuals might choose to alter the spelling of the name for personal or creative reasons. However, it is important to note that the "Moar" spelling is likely the most common and widely recognized version of the name. Overall, these variations and spellings reflect the diverse nature of names and the multicultural influences on family histories.

Famous people with the last name Moar

Famous people with the last name Moar include several accomplished individuals. One notable figure is David Moar, a renowned British architect known for his innovative designs in the field of sustainable architecture. His works have been celebrated for their eco-friendly approach and incorporation of renewable energy sources. Another prominent individual is Sarah Moar, a Canadian filmmaker recognized for her thought-provoking documentaries. She has received critical acclaim for her ability to shed light on social issues and inspire change through her captivating storytelling. Additionally, John Moar, an Australian scientist, has made significant contributions to the field of marine biology. His research on coral reefs and marine ecosystems has been instrumental in understanding and preserving these delicate environments. These individuals have all left a lasting impact in their respective fields, solidifying the Moar name among the ranks of accomplished personalities.

Genealogical research on the last name Moar

The family name Moar has origins in both Scotland and Norway. In Scotland, it is believed to have derived from the Gaelic word "mor," meaning "big" or "great." This could have been a descriptive surname given to someone of considerable stature or importance. In Norway, Moar can be traced back to the Old Norse personal name "Móðarr," meaning "furious" or "angry." It is likely that individuals bearing this name were known for their fierce and determined nature. Over the centuries, the Moar name has spread to various parts of the world, with notable concentrations found in Canada, the United States, and Australia. Genealogical research on the Moar name can offer insights into the migration patterns and familial connections of individuals with this surname, providing a fascinating glimpse into their ancestral heritage.

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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Moaa (Last name)

surnames > moaa

The last name "Moaa" does not have a widely-known origin in English. It may be of African, Arabic, or other origin that would require further research to determine.

Moaal (Last name)

surnames > moaal

The surname "Moaal" is of Arabic origin, specifically from the Maghreb region, which includes North African countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. The name likely ...

Moaaz (Last name)

surnames > moaaz

The last name Moaaz appears to have Arabic origins. It may be derived from the Arabic given name Muaz, which means "helper" or "supporter." Last names in Arabic often indicate a pe...

Moaaz fatema (Last name)

surnames > moaaz-fatema

The last name "Moaaz Fatema" appears to have origins in Arabic. "Moaaz" is a male Arabic name, meaning "supporter" or "helper." "Fatema" is a female Arabic name, commonly associate...

Moabi (Last name)

surnames > moabi

The last name Moabi is of African origin, specifically from the Tswana people of Botswana and South Africa. The Moabi tree is a species common in these regions, and it is possible ...

Moabunsr (Last name)

surnames > moabunsr

The last name "moabunsr" does not appear to have a clear origin or meaning in the English language. It is possible that it could be a misspelling or a variant of a more common surn...

Moadabi (Last name)

surnames > moadabi

The last name Moadabi is of Persian origin. It is derived from a title or occupation, likely related to leadership or management.

Moah (Last name)

surnames > moah

The last name "Moah" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Mawa," which is of uncertain etymology. It may possibly be a form of the Old Norse name...

Moahammd (Last name)

surnames > moahammd

The last name "Moahammd" likely originates from the Arabic personal name "Muhammad," which means "praiseworthy" or "highly praised." Muhammad is a common first name in the Islamic ...

Moahhmed (Last name)

surnames > moahhmed

The last name "Moahhmed" is of Arabic origin, derived from the given name "Muhammad," which means "praiseworthy" in Arabic. Muhammad is also the name of the Islamic prophet.

Moaim (Last name)

surnames > moaim

The last name Moaim is believed to have originated from Arab regions. It may be derived from the Arabic word "maw'ahim," meaning important or distinguished.

Moaiyadi (Last name)

surnames > moaiyadi

The last name Moaiyadi originates from Nigeria.

Moalem (Last name)

surnames > moalem

Sure! The last name "Moalem" is of Persian origin. It is a common last name in Iran and is derived from the Persian word "mo'allem" which means "teacher" or "instructor." This last...

Moalen (Last name)

surnames > moalen

The origin of the last name "Moalen" is likely Norwegian. It is believed to be a variant of the surname "Mola", which could be derived from the Old Norse word "mola", meaning "mill...

Moalimi (Last name)

surnames > moalimi

The last name Moalimi is of Persian or Iranian origin. It is derived from the Persian word "mo'allem" which means "teacher" or "instructor." It is a common surname among individual...