Last Name Moia

The surname Moia is of Italian and Portuguese origin. It is derived from a variety of place names in Italy, such as Moi, Moia, and Moiano, found in regions like Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Marche, and Umbria. In Portugal, the surname Moia can also stem from the town of Moia, located in the district of Leiria. The name is thought to be derived from the Latin term "mollis," meaning soft or gentle, which could have been used to describe the terrain near these places of origin. As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation of Moia may vary based on migration patterns and regional dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Moia

The meaning and origin of the last name Moia

The surname Moia originates from Italy, specifically the region of Lombardy. It is derived from various Italian locales named "Moia," which are found in provinces such as Bergamo and Brescia. The name likely refers to a geographical feature or landmark, possibly denoting a farm or settlement located at a moist or marshy area, as the word "moia" translates to "muddy" or "marshy" in Italian. Over time, individuals bearing this surname migrated and settled across various parts of Europe and the Americas, contributing to its widespread distribution today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Moia

The surname Moia has significant presence in various regions, predominantly in Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is most frequent in the districts of Viseu, Coimbra, and Leiria, reflecting its origins from these areas. In Brazil, particularly in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo, the name Moia is also common due to immigration from Portugal. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola and Mozambique, where there has been historical migration from Portugal. Furthermore, there are scattered instances of the surname Moia in other parts of the world, including Italy, Spain, and the United States, likely due to emigration or familial connections with Portuguese descendants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Moia

The surname Moia can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Some common forms include: Moia, Mois, Moys, Moya, and Moyes. These alterations may occur as a result of linguistic and cultural influences or errors during the recording and transcribing process. The origins of this surname are likely to be Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish in origin, where it derives from the given name Mauro, which means "dark-haired" or "moorish." In some instances, Moia could also be a variant of the Irish name Moyna, which is derived from the Old Irish word 'maighen', meaning 'little kin'. It's essential to note that while these variations exist, they can lead to multiple individuals sharing the same surname, making genealogical research challenging at times.

Famous people with the last name Moia

The Moia family is not particularly well-known for having many renowned members, but there are a few notable figures with this surname. One such individual is Carlos Moia, a Brazilian politician who served as Governor of Minas Gerais from 2003 to 2010 and again from 2019 to present. In the world of science, there is Alexander Moia, an American researcher specializing in molecular biology and genetics, particularly in the study of cellular signaling pathways. Another notable figure is Ana Paula Tavares Moia, a Portuguese actress and television presenter who gained recognition for her roles in several Portuguese soap operas and films. Lastly, Paulo Moia, a Brazilian-American mathematician, is renowned for his work on algebraic geometry and mathematical logic. Despite their diverse fields of expertise, these individuals all share the distinct last name of Moia.

Genealogical research on the last name Moia

The Moia surname originates from Portugal and is believed to have derived from various places in the country, with the most prominent being the municipality of Moita in Lisbon district. The name is thought to be of geographical origin, referring to someone who was originally from these locations.

The first known records of the Moia family date back to the 16th century in Portugal. From there, the family expanded and migrated to various parts of Europe and South America. In Brazil, one notable branch of the Moia family settled in the state of Minas Gerais during the colonial period.

In North America, records show that a Moia immigrant arrived in New York City in 1849, marking the beginning of the Moia presence in the United States. The name has since spread across various regions, including California and Texas.

The Moia family is known to have diverse professions over the centuries, ranging from agriculture, trade, and politics to academics and arts. Notable Moias include Portuguese historian Fernando Rosas Moia and Brazilian engineer Paulo Moia.

The Moia genealogy continues to be traced by many, providing a rich history and connection for those who bear this surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "moia"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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