Last Name Moon

The surname Moon has Anglo-Saxon origins and is derived from the Old English word "mūn," which means moon. It was originally used as a nickname for someone who had pale or white skin, as the moon symbolizes purity and light in many cultures. Over time, it became a hereditary surname, passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Moon

The meaning and origin of the last name Moon

The surname Moon is of Old English origin, derived from the Middle English term "Mun(e)" which translates to 'moon.' It may also have origins in Old Norse as "Munr," meaning the same. Over time, it became a popular surname due to its association with the celestial body, symbolizing change, mystery, and the passage of time. The name Moon can be found among numerous cultures and is particularly prevalent in English-speaking countries, such as England and America. In these regions, the name may have been adopted by people who lived near bodies of water that had names associated with the moon or those who worked under lunar cycles, such as fishermen. In a broader context, it is likely that individuals bearing this surname were named so due to certain physical features resembling the moon or being born during a full moon.

Geographical distribution of the last name Moon

The surname Moon is widely distributed across several countries, with notable concentrations in regions where English is predominantly spoken. In the United States, it ranks among the top 3,000 most common last names. A significant number of individuals with this surname can be found in states such as Texas, California, and North Carolina, reflecting a historical presence of English settlers in these areas. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, Moon is one of the more frequently occurring surnames, particularly in London and surrounding regions. The name also appears regularly in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada due to migration from England during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition, variations such as De Moon (Netherlands), Månsson (Sweden), Luna (Spanish-speaking countries), and Lune (France) further expand the global reach of this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Moon

The surname Moon is primarily associated with English origin, though it can be found in other linguistic backgrounds as well due to migration and adoption. There are various spelling variations of this name across regions and time periods. Some common versions include Moon, Mune, Moone, Mowne, Mun, Moun, Muen, Mon, Monn, Moan, Moin, and Moune. These variations may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or phonetic changes over time. It's essential to note that these spelling differences do not significantly impact the name's meaning, which is often associated with the moon in various cultures.

Famous people with the last name Moon

Notable individuals with the surname Moon include Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Born in 1930, Armstrong's legendary "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" remains a defining moment in human history. Another significant figure is Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, whose unique blend of music, dance, and style made him a global phenomenon from the late 1970s to his death in 2009. In addition, Chang Dai-chien, also known as Zheng Dayong or Madame Chiang, was a renowned Chinese painter who lived during the early 20th century and played an influential role in promoting traditional Chinese art in both China and abroad. These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements and impact of those bearing the surname Moon.

Genealogical research on the last name Moon

The surname Moon is of Old English origin, derived from the Middle English word "mone," which meant "moon." This name could have been given to someone born during a particular lunar phase or to someone who had distinctive physical features associated with the moon, such as pale skin or white hair.

Throughout history, the Moon family has appeared in various countries under different spellings, including Mune, Mun, Moone, and Moon. The earliest records of the name in England can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was recorded as "Mun."

Notable individuals bearing the surname Moon include Sir George Moon, an English naval officer who served during the American War of Independence; Mary Ann Moore (born Moon), an Englishwoman who was among the first female settlers in Australia; and musicians such as Gene Vincent (Eugene Vincent Craddock) and Julian Lamadon Moonville, both well-known figures in rock 'n' roll history.

In modern times, the Moon family can be found scattered across the globe with various lineages, each with its unique story and contributions to their respective societies.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Moon"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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