Last Name Moll

The surname Moll has origins in multiple European countries. It is derived from several possible sources: 1. German and Dutch: A short form of various compound names with "Molt" or "Multe," such as Johannes dem Molten (John the Miller) or Meinhardus de Multebroc (Meinhard at the Mill Brook). 2. Catalan, Spanish, French: It may come from the medieval personal name Moll (soft), which itself derived from the Latin word mollis (soft, gentle, kind). 3. Jewish: A variant of the Jewish surname Mollo, which possibly originated in Spain or Italy and was brought to other parts of Europe by Sephardic Jews during the expulsion in 1492. 4. Swedish: It may be a topographical name for someone who lived on a flat area (mölle) near water, where mills could be built. 5. Czech, Slovak: Moll can also mean "wagoner" or "driver of a wagon," derived from the Old Slavic word mola (cart). It is essential to note that many people with the surname Moll may have different origins due to name changes, migrations, and assimilation over centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Moll

The meaning and origin of the last name Moll

The surname Moll is of Germanic origin, derived from the Middle High German word "molle," which means "grinder" or "mill." It may also have an Occitan origin, where it is a diminutive form of the female name Molly, meaning "star of the sea." Historically, in medieval Germany, millers were important figures as they controlled the grain supply. As such, the surname Moll was often given to individuals who worked as millers or lived near watermills. Over time, as families migrated and populations grew, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have varied slightly, leading to different regional forms such as Mull, Molle, Möll, etc. Today, Moll is a relatively uncommon surname but can be found in various countries, particularly in Germany, France, and Spain.

Geographical distribution of the last name Moll

The last name Moll is predominantly found in Western and Central Europe, particularly in Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal. In Germany, it is most common in the regions of Bavaria, Württemberg, and Rhineland-Palatinate. In France, it is concentrated in Alsace and Lorraine. The name is also found in significant numbers in northern Spain, particularly in Galicia and Asturias, as well as in Portugal, especially in the northern regions. Additionally, the Moll surname can be found in smaller numbers across Europe, with some occurrences in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. It's important to note that the distribution of a last name like Moll does not necessarily reflect the ethnicity or nationality of individuals bearing the name, as it may have been adopted through various historical processes such as migration, assimilation, and naturalization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Moll

The surname Moll has several variations and spellings across different countries and regions. Some common variations include Mull, Moul, Molle, and Mul. These variations can be found in English, Scottish, German, Dutch, French, and other European languages. In Scotland, the name Mull is often associated with the geographical region of the Isle of Mull. In German-speaking countries, Moll may be derived from the word for "blackbird" or a specific occupational title. The variations Molle and Mul are predominantly found in France and Dutch-speaking regions respectively. It is important to note that family names can undergo changes over time due to various factors such as migration, language shifts, and administrative errors.

Famous people with the last name Moll

Notable individuals with the surname Moll include:

1. Johann Sebastian Bach's son-in-law, Johann Christian Müller (often anglicized as Moll), who was a violinist and music theorist. He married one of Bach's daughters, Anna Magdalena Wilcke, in 1725.

2. Pierre-Joseph Maille (1809–1864), also known as Pierre-Joseph Moll, was a French botanist and pharmacist who co-founded the Pharmacy Museum in Marseille.

3. The English sailor John Moll the Elder (1570s-c. 1629) was instrumental in establishing the Muscovy Company's trade with Russia. His son, John Moll the Younger (1604–1680), was also a notable East India merchant and politician.

4. Robert Moll (1753-1837) was an English portrait painter who worked in the Neoclassical style. He served as President of the Royal Academy from 1825 until his death in 1837.

5. In modern times, Thomas Moll (born 1961), a German artist, has gained recognition for his conceptual installations and sculptures. His works often explore themes of identity, memory, and the passage of time.

Genealogical research on the last name Moll

The surname Moll is predominantly found in German-speaking regions and has multiple origins. One lineage can be traced back to the Rhineland region in Germany, where the name evolved from "Mohl," a nickname derived from the occupational term "Mole" or "Molle," meaning miller. Another branch of the Moll family originated in Switzerland and is believed to have Germanic roots, specifically from the Alemannic tribes. The name also appeared in Spain during the Middle Ages, where it was brought by Moorish conquerors and evolved into the Spanish surname Molina. Notable figures with the last name Moll include Johannes Moll (1693-1759), a German mathematician, and Günter Moll (born 1929), a prominent German archaeologist. The genealogy of the Moll family continues to be researched by many historians and genealogists worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Moll"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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