Last Name Morice

Learn more about the origin of the last name Morice

The meaning and origin of the last name Morice

The surname Morice is of French origin, derived from the Old French personal name Maurice, itself coming from the Latin name Mauritius, meaning "dark" or "Moorish." The name was popularized by Saint Maurice, a 3rd-century Christian martyr and saint who was the leader of the legendary Roman Theban Legion. The surname Morice was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066 by individuals of Norman or French descent. Over time, variations of the surname such as Morris and Morrison have developed. Today, individuals with the surname Morice can be found in various English-speaking countries around the world, with variations in spelling influenced by different regional pronunciations and dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Morice

The last name Morice is primarily found in France, particularly in the regions of Brittany, Normandy, and Aquitaine. It is also present in Belgium, mainly in the Wallonia region. Additionally, the surname Morice can be found in the United Kingdom, specifically in Wales and Scotland. In Canada, the name is most commonly found in the province of Quebec. There are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Morice in the United States, specifically in states such as California, Texas, and Louisiana. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Morice is concentrated in Europe, with a notable presence in France and Belgium, as well as some representation in North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Morice

The last name Morice can also be spelled as Morrison, Maurice, Morris, or Mores. These variations may result from different phonetic and regional influences, as well as historical changes in spelling conventions. Additionally, the name may have different spellings in other languages or cultures, such as Moritz in German or Morales in Spanish. Despite these variations, each version of the last name Morice retains its own unique history and meaning for individuals and their families.

Famous people with the last name Morice

Some of the most famous people with the last name Morice include Sir William Morice, a prominent English politician and statesman who served as Secretary of State to King Charles II. Another notable figure is Thomas Morice, a British East India Company director and Member of Parliament. Additionally, there is also Fred Morice, a French rugby union player who represented his country at the international level. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and have left a lasting impact on history.

Genealogical research on the last name Morice

The surname Morice is of French origin and is derived from the Old French personal name "Maurice", which in turn comes from the Latin name "Mauritius". It is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Maurice". The Morice surname can be found in various regions of France, as well as in other countries where French influence has been present. Genealogical research on the Morice surname may reveal a family's lineage in France, England, Scotland, and other parts of Europe. Variants of the Morice surname include Maurice, Mauri, Moris, and Morris. Tracing the genealogy of the Morice surname may involve exploring records such as parish registers, census data, and immigration records to uncover the historical migration and settlement patterns of the Morice family over the centuries.