Last Name Morera

The surname Morera is of Spanish origin. It comes from the medieval occupational name "Moher" which was given to a miller or a maker of mortars. Over time, it has been converted into the modern form "Morera". In Spain, it is most common in the Valencian Community and Catalonia regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Morera

The meaning and origin of the last name Morera

The surname Morera is of Spanish origin and is derived from the Old Occitan word "morer," which means "mulberry." This surname was originally used to identify someone who lived near a mulberry tree or orchard. During the Middle Ages, mulberries were an essential resource for sericulture, the raising of silkworms. The spread of the name Morera in Spain is connected to the cultivation of the mulberry tree across the Iberian Peninsula during the medieval period. Over time, as migration and natural evolution occurred, families bearing this surname spread throughout the Spanish-speaking world, including Latin America. Today, the Morera surname remains prevalent among Spanish and Hispanic populations, with variations such as Morer, Moreras, de Morera, and others found in different regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Morera

The surname Morera has a significant presence in regions primarily associated with Spanish and Catalan cultures. It is particularly prevalent in Spain, specifically in the autonomous communities of Valencia, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands, where it represents a notable fraction of the population. Furthermore, there are substantial numbers of individuals bearing the Morera surname in Puerto Rico, reflecting the historical migration from the Spanish Mainland to the Caribbean island. Additionally, the Morera name can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Cuba. The name's distribution outside these regions is relatively small but includes populations in France (due to Catalan immigration), South America, and the United States, often as a result of emigration from Spain or its former colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Morera

The surname Morera has several variations and spellings. Some of these include Moreira, Mora, Morer, Morere, Morra, Moraes, Morais, Morar, Morare, and Moreria. These variations may occur due to differences in regional pronunciation or spelling conventions. In some cases, the name can also be found with prefixes such as de la, del, Los, y, Las, and El, which indicate that the person comes from a specific region or is part of a particular family lineage. However, it's important to note that the exact variations may depend on the country or ethnic group associated with the name. For example, Moreira is more common in Portugal, while Morera is more frequently found in Spain. It's always best to consult local records or genealogists for accurate information regarding a specific instance of the surname.

Famous people with the last name Morera

Notable individuals with the surname Morera include Juan Carlos Morera (born 1982), a professional footballer who played for clubs such as Celta Vigo and Real Betis, representing the Dominican Republic national team. Another prominent figure is Luis Morera (born 1956), a Puerto Rican musician and songwriter known for his work with the group Menudo during the 1970s and 1980s. In academia, there is José Manuel Morera (born 1943), a Spanish mathematician who has made significant contributions to the study of functional analysis and operator theory. Lastly, Josefa Morera (1863-1938) was a Spanish painter recognized for her landscapes and still lifes in an Impressionist style, particularly her depictions of Andalusia. Each of these individuals has left a lasting impact on their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Morera

The Morera surname is of Mediterranean origin, primarily associated with the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain and Mallorca, an island belonging to Spain. The name "Morera" derives from the Old Catalan term 'morera' which refers to the white mulberry tree, possibly indicating that a family ancestor lived near such a tree or had a profession connected to it. The first known record of the Morera surname dates back to the late Middle Ages in Spain, with notable bearers including Bartomeu Morera, a priest in Mallorca during the 16th century, and Jaume Morera, who served as mayor of Palma de Mallorca in the early 18th century. Over time, the Morera family expanded across Spain and other parts of Europe, with significant populations found in France, Italy, and the Americas. In more recent history, the family has made notable contributions to various fields such as politics, art, science, and business, with many Moreras becoming influential figures in their respective communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Morera"
• 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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