Last Name More

The last name "More" has multiple possible origins. Here are a few potential origins and meanings: 1. English Origin: "More" is commonly found as an English surname, which has multiple possible meanings. It could derive from the Old English word "mor," meaning "moor or marshland," indicating that the name was given to someone who lived near or in such a place. Another possibility is that it derived from the Old English word "mor," meaning "maiden" or "maidenly," suggesting that it was a nickname referring to a young or unmarried person. 2. Irish Origin: In Irish, the last name "More" is an anglicization of the Gaelic surname Ó Mórdha, meaning "descendant of Mórdha." The Gaelic name "Mórdha" translates to "great" or "stately," indicating that it could have been a name bestowed upon someone of honorable or noble character. 3. French Origin: In France, "More" is derived from the French word "more," which refers to the color black. This suggests that the name was originally given to individuals with dark or black features. It is important to note that surnames can have various origins and meanings, and diverse historical factors could have influenced the evolution of a particular last name. Additionally, the origin and meaning of a surname may vary from one individual to another, depending on their specific family lineage and history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name More

The meaning and origin of the last name More

The surname "More" has multiple origins and meanings depending on the region. In some cases, it is derived from the medieval English word "more," meaning "moor" or "marshy ground," suggesting that the early bearers of this name lived near or on such terrain. This etymology is particularly common in the southwest of England, where the local landscape consists of extensive moorlands.

Additionally, "More" can be traced back to its Gaelic origin in Ireland, where it is derived from the Old Irish word "mór," meaning "great" or "big." It served as a descriptive nickname for someone who was physically large or had a prominent stature. It is also worth noting that "More" could refer to a person with a dark complexion, as "mór" in Gaelic can also mean "dark-skinned" or "swarthy."

Overall, the surname More is a testament to the diverse origins of surnames and their connections to geographic locations or physical characteristics of individuals.

Geographical distribution of the last name More

The surname "Moore" has a widely distributed geographical presence and can be found in various regions across the world. It is particularly common in English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the UK, the name is prevalent in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a concentration in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Devon. In the United States, the name is widely spread throughout the country, with notable concentrations in states like Texas, California, and Illinois.

Outside of English-speaking nations, the surname Moore can also be found in other countries like Ireland, where it is one of the most common names. Additionally, it has a presence in parts of Europe, including France and Germany, as well as in South Africa. The widespread distribution of the surname Moore reflects its historical origins and migration patterns of individuals and families bearing this last name.

Variants and spellings of the last name More

The last name "More" has several variations and spellings, influenced by different cultures, languages, and historical variations. Some common variations include Moore, Mora, Moor, Moir, Muir, and Murre. The surname Moore is the most prevalent alternative spelling, particularly in English-speaking countries. This may stem from the Middle English word "mōr," meaning "moor" or "marshy land." Mora and Moor are variations likely influenced by Spanish and Scottish origins, respectively. Moir is a Scottish variation, while Muir is a Scottish and Irish alternative. Murre is another variation with Scottish origins. Throughout history, different spellings have emerged due to evolving dialects, transcription errors, and personal preference. These variations demonstrate the diverse linguistic landscapes that contribute to the surname "More," highlighting the interconnectedness and global nature of name origins and cultural heritage.

Famous people with the last name More

More is a fairly common surname with several famous individuals who have shared this last name. One prominent figure is Hannah More, an English writer, poet, and playwright of the 18th century. Hannah More played a significant role in the abolitionist movement and was known for her literary work. Another famous individual is Thomas More, an English lawyer and statesman who served as the Lord High Chancellor of England during the reign of King Henry VIII. Thomas More's adherence to his principles and refusal to accept the king's authority ultimately led to his execution. In the world of sports, Keith More is a well-known English cricket player who represented England in numerous Test matches in the 1970s and 1980s. His exceptional wicket-keeping skills and competent batting made him a respected figure in the sport.

Genealogical research on the last name More

The last name More has a diverse genealogical history. It is derived from various sources and has origins in different countries. One possible origin is from the English surname More, which originated as a nickname for someone with a dark complexion or dark hair. This name can be traced back to the Old French word "more" meaning "Moor," reflecting the influence of the Moors on medieval Europe. Another possible origin is from the Irish surname Ó Mórdha, meaning "descendant of Mórdha," which translates to "great" or "stately" in Gaelic. This Irish surname is associated with the province of Munster. Additionally, the last name More could be of French or Jewish origin, derived from the French word "more," meaning "brown," or from the Hebrew name "Mordechai." Further genealogical research on specific individuals with the last name More would be required to trace their ancestral roots accurately.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "More"
• 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 April 2025

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