Last Name Moreau

Learn more about the origin of the last name Moreau

The meaning and origin of the last name Moreau

The surname Moreau is a French patronymic derived from the given name Maurice, which means "dark-skinned" or "bitter" in Old French. Maurice itself evolved from the Latin name Mauritius, meaning "of Moorish origin." The surname Moreau came into use during the Middle Ages as a way to distinguish individuals with the same first name, and it was most commonly found in regions of France such as Normandy, Brittany, and Picardy. Over time, as French settlers migrated to other parts of Europe and the New World, the surname Moreau spread, becoming a common name in various countries including Canada, the United States, and Belgium. Today, it remains a widely recognized surname with numerous bearers around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Moreau

The surname Moreau is predominantly found in France, where it originated from the Old French "Morin" meaning 'Moors' or 'Dark-skinned'. Its frequency varies significantly across regions, being most common in Brittany and Normandy. Beyond France, descendants of French immigrants have carried the name to other countries, particularly in North America. In Canada, Quebec is where you will find a large number of individuals with this last name, likely due to historical French influence. In the United States, Louisiana, which has strong French colonial heritage, also has a high concentration of Moreaus. The name can also be found in smaller numbers in other countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and the UK, where it is often anglicized to Morris or Morrison. Overall, while the Moreau surname remains most prevalent in its country of origin, it has spread globally through immigration and colonization, demonstrating a rich history and diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Moreau

The surname Moreau has several variants and spellings, originating primarily from France. Some common variations include: Moré, Moraud, Moreaud, Moireau, Moureaux, Morée, Mouret, Muret, Mourat, Mourot, Mourède, and Morat. Additionally, it may also appear as More, Moreo, or Moore in English-speaking countries due to Anglicization. The name is derived from the Old French "moer," meaning sea or marsh, and was often given to children born near watery areas or during flood seasons. This surname can be found throughout France, particularly in Brittany and Normandy regions.

Famous people with the last name Moreau

Jeanne Moreau (1928-2017), a French actress and singer, is arguably the most renowned individual associated with the surname Moreau. She gained international acclaim for her role in François Truffaut's "The 400 Blows" in 1959. Moreau continued to work extensively in film, theater, and television throughout her career, receiving numerous accolades such as the Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Award four times. In addition, Juliette Binoche's mother, Monique Stalens, known professionally as Monique Moreau (1938-2003), was also a notable French actress, active from the 1950s through the 1970s. Moreover, Julien Moreau (born 1984), a French tennis player, has competed in Grand Slam tournaments and reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of 34 in 2014.

Genealogical research on the last name Moreau

The surname Moreau originates from France and is derived from the Old French word 'moer' meaning 'sea moss' or 'marsh'. It was originally a topographic name for someone who lived near a marshy area covered with sea moss, or possibly an occupational name for a worker involved in collecting or processing this type of seaweed. Moreaus are found predominantly in the Normandy and Brittany regions. Famous individuals with this surname include Édouard-Jean Moreau, a French politician who served as Prime Minister, and Marie Moreau, a French actress known for her roles in films such as "Jules et Jim" and "La Ronde". Genealogical records show that the name was first recorded in Normandy during the 13th century, with subsequent migrations to other parts of France and later to North America, particularly Quebec. The Moreau family tree includes various religious figures, military personnel, and politicians spanning centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Moreau"
• 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