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Last Name Moruno

What is the origin of the last name Moruno?

The last name "Moruno" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "moruno," which means "Moorish" or "of Moorish descent." The Moors were Muslim inhabitants of North Africa who conquered Spain in the 8th century. Many Moors remained in Spain after the Reconquista, and their descendants are known as Moriscos. The surname "Moruno" likely indicates that the bearer has Moorish ancestry.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Moruno

The meaning and origin of the last name Moruno

The surname Moruno is of Spanish origin and is derived from the word "moruno," which means Moorish or Muslim. The Moors were Muslim inhabitants of North Africa who conquered parts of Spain in the 8th century and ruled the region for several centuries. As a surname, Moruno likely originated as a descriptive term to differentiate individuals of Moorish descent living in Spain during the Middle Ages. It may have been used to identify those who converted to Christianity or assimilated into Spanish society after the expulsion of the Moors in the 15th century. The surname Moruno may also have connections to the cultural exchange and intermingling between the Moorish and Spanish populations during the centuries of Moorish rule in Spain, reflecting a diverse and complex history of the region.

Geographical distribution of the last name Moruno

The last name "Moruno" is a Spanish surname that is primarily found in the southern regions of Spain, particularly in Andalusia and Extremadura. This surname is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of Spain, such as in Castilla-La Mancha and Murcia. Outside of Spain, the distribution of the last name "Moruno" is quite limited, with only a handful of individuals bearing this surname in countries like Argentina, Mexico, and the United States. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name "Moruno" is concentrated in Spain, specifically in the southern regions of the country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Moruno

The variations and spellings of the last name "Moruno" include Moruño, Moruna, Morunho, Moruni, Murrone, and Morño. These variations can be attributed to differences in regional dialects, historical influences, and individual preferences. Over time, surnames may have evolved and adapted to reflect changes in pronunciation, spelling conventions, or cultural developments. Despite the variations, the core identity and heritage of the surname "Moruno" remain consistent across different spellings and forms.

Famous people with the last name Moruno

Some of the most famous people with the last name Moruno include Julio Moruno, a Spanish political analyst and writer known for his critical analysis of contemporary politics, as well as his work on social movements and activism. Another notable figure is Manuel Moruno, a Spanish economist and former Member of Parliament known for his contributions to economic policy and development in Spain. The Moruno family also includes Alberto Moruno, a prominent journalist and TV presenter recognized for his insightful reporting and interviews with influential figures in the media industry. Overall, the Moruno surname is associated with individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields such as politics, economics, and journalism.

Genealogical research on the last name Moruno

The surname Moruno is of Spanish origin and is a variant of the surname Moro, which means "Moor" in Spanish. The Moors were a Muslim people of North African descent who ruled parts of Spain for several centuries during the Middle Ages. The surname Moruno may have been originally used to denote someone of Moorish descent or to describe a person who had some connection to the Moors. Genealogical research on the surname Moruno may reveal a connection to Spain and possibly to the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. The name may also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries or among descendants of Spanish immigrants. Further research into historical records, such as census data, birth and marriage certificates, and immigration records, may provide more insight into the origins and migration patterns of individuals with the surname Moruno.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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