Last Name Mores

The surname Mores has multiple possible origins depending on various regions and countries. 1. French: It is derived from a place name such as Mores (Haute-Savoie), Morez (Jura), or Moures (Tarn), meaning "moors" or "marshy areas." 2. Italian: It may originate from the city of Morea, which was an area in the Peloponnese, Greece, controlled by Venice between 1460 and 1715. The region is known as La Morea in Italian. 3. Spanish/Portuguese: It might stem from the Arabic word "Muria" or "Murias," which means "fortress." This name was given to places in Spain and Portugal that were once fortified settlements during Moorish rule. 4. Jewish: In some cases, it may be of Hebrew origin, derived from the name Mordechai, meaning "bold stranger." The surname may have been a nickname for someone with physical characteristics suggesting they were foreign or had a strong presence. It is essential to note that these are general origins and the specific history of each Mores family may vary based on their unique backgrounds and migrations over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mores

The meaning and origin of the last name Mores

The surname Mores is of French origin, derived from various place names across France. These places include Morès in Haute-Garonne, Moras in several regions, and other similar locations. The name originally referred to the inhabitants or descendants of these places. Over time, the name spread beyond its original region as people migrated or moved to different parts of Europe. In some cases, it may also be a patronymic surname, derived from a given name Mory, Maurice, or Morice, which have French roots meaning "dark-skinned" or "moorish." The Mores family has notable members in history, including the Mores family of Venice, an influential noble family during the Renaissance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mores

The surname Mores is predominantly found in France, particularly in the regions of Aquitaine, Brittany, and Normandy. It is also common in other French-speaking countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada, due to historical migrations. In addition, a significant number of people with the last name Mores can be found in Italy, especially in Tuscany and Lazio regions, as it is an Italian surname derived from various places such as Mori, Morello, or Mora. The Mores name can also be found in Spain, Portugal, and their former colonies due to similarities with Spanish and Portuguese place names (Morés). Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Mores reflects historical events, such as migration patterns from France to other European countries and colonial expansion by Spain and Portugal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mores

The surname Mores has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in spelling conventions over time and across geographical locations. Some common variations include More, Morey, Moore, de Moor, du Moulin, Moresco, and Morès. These differences can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, individual preference, or historical events like the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 which led to the adoption of French surnames by Anglo-Saxons. The name Mores may also have originated from various sources, such as a topographical name for someone who lived near a moor or heathland, a metonymic occupational name for a miller or someone who ground corn on a millstone, or a habitational name from any of the places called More in France.

Famous people with the last name Mores

The Mores family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. In the realm of academia, Robert K. Mores served as President of Syracuse University from 1968 to 1973. In the field of arts and entertainment, Paul Mores, also known as Paul Mooney, is a celebrated American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, best known for his work with Richard Pryor and as a writer on "Saturday Night Live." In the world of politics, Michael J. Mores served as the U.S. Ambassador to Norway from 2014 to 2017 during the Obama administration. Lastly, in the sports industry, Dick Mores was a professional baseball player who played for teams including the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs in the early 20th century. These are just a few examples of influential individuals bearing the surname Mores.

Genealogical research on the last name Mores

The Mores surname originates from France and is believed to have derived from various locations with that name. One of the earliest recorded instances of the Mores family was Jean Mores, who lived in Paris during the late 12th century. Over time, numerous branches of the Mores family emerged across Europe, with significant concentrations in England and Scotland. In England, the surname evolved into More(s) as a result of Anglicization after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Notable bearers of the name include William More (died c. 1290), Chancellor of England under Edward I; Thomas More (1478-1535), a lawyer, social philosopher, author, and statesman best known as a martyr for his opposition to Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries; and Sir John Mores (died 1627), an English naval officer who served during the Anglo-Spanish War. The name has also been well represented in Scotland, with families such as the Mores of Pitmedden and the Mores of Auchindown contributing to the clan's history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "mores"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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