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Last Name Mossa

What is the origin of the last name Mossa?

The origin of the last name "Mossa" can be traced back to multiple regions and ethnicities. In several cases, "Mossa" is an Italian surname derived from the word "mossa," meaning "movement" or "a move" in Italian. This suggests that the name might have originally been given to someone known for being lively or always on the move. Alternatively, "Mossa" could also have Sephardic Jewish origins. It may be a variation of the Hebrew name "Moshe" (Moses), indicating that the family may have descended from a person named Moses. Lastly, "Mossa" can be a variation of the last name "Moss," which has English, Scottish, or Jewish origins. Moss is derived from the Old English word "mos," meaning "bog" or "marsh," and could have been used as a topographic surname for someone living near a marshy area. Given the various potential origins, it is important to research further or consult with genealogical resources to determine the specific origin and meaning of the "Mossa" surname in a particular individual's case.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Mossa

In terms of ethnicity, the majority of people with the Mossa surname identify as White, according to the Decennial U.S. Census. This group increased from 84.25% in 2000 to 87.70% in 2010, a growth of 4.09%. Those identifying as Black also saw an increase of 35.47%, moving from 4.06% in 2000 to 5.50% in 2010. Hispanic individuals with the Mossa surname similarly rose by 37.17%, from 1.91% in 2000 to 2.62% in 2010. However, the percentage of those identifying as two or more races decreased significantly, falling by 68.62% from 8.35% in 2000 to 2.62% in 2010. No individuals reported as Asian/Pacific Islander or American Indian and Alaskan Native in either year.

20002010Change
White84.25%87.7%4.09%
Black4.06%5.5%35.47%
Two or More Races8.35%2.62%-68.62%
Hispanic1.91%2.62%37.17%
Asian/Pacific Islander0%0%0%
American Indian and Alaskan Native0%0%0%

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mossa

The meaning and origin of the last name Mossa

The surname Mossa is of Italian origin and has several possible meanings derived from different sources. One possibility is that it originated as a locational surname, referring to individuals who lived by or were associated with a place named Mossa. Another possibility is that it derived from the Italian word "mossa," which means "movement" or "a wave." In this context, the surname might have been given to someone who had a lively or energetic personality. Additionally, Mossa could also have originated as a nickname, referencing a physical or behavioral characteristic, such as a person who was swift, agile, or restless. Ultimately, the exact origin and meaning of the surname Mossa may vary depending on the specific family line and region in Italy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mossa

The geographical distribution of the last name "Mossa" is primarily concentrated in Italy. It is a relatively uncommon surname, with the highest number of individuals with this name found in the southern regions of Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria, Campania, and Sicily. These regions have historically been home to many people with Italian ancestry, and thus it is not surprising to find a higher concentration of individuals with the surname "Mossa" in this area.

Outside of Italy, the surname "Mossa" is less prevalent but can still be found in various parts of the world due to migration and diaspora from Italy. In particular, small pockets of individuals with this surname can be found in countries with significant Italian immigrant populations, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Argentina. The concentration of individuals with the last name "Mossa" in these countries is relatively lower compared to Italy, but there are still descendants and communities that have retained this family name over generations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mossa

The last name "Mossa" has a few variations and spellings that can be found throughout different regions and cultures. One common variation is "Mossaieff," which is of Jewish origin and is often associated with the Mossaieff family, a prominent and wealthy Jewish family. Another variation is "Mossai," which is also of Jewish origin and can be found in Hebrew-speaking countries. Additionally, "Mossi" is another variant, which is typically of Italian origin and can be found in Italy or among Italian diaspora communities. In some cases, the spelling may vary slightly, such as "Mosca" or "Mosso," which can be found among other European countries like Spain or Switzerland, respectively. These variations reflect the diverse backgrounds and historical connections of individuals with the last name "Mossa," highlighting the influence of language, migration, and cultural assimilation.

Famous people with the last name Mossa

There are no widely recognized famous individuals with the last name "Mossa" in contemporary history. It is possible that while individuals with this surname may have gained recognition within their respective fields or communities, their fame and influence might not have reached global or mainstream levels. It is important to note that the level of one's fame can vary across generations, countries, and industries, making it challenging to ascertain the popularity of individuals with less widespread recognition. Nonetheless, it is always possible that there are famous people or notable figures with the last name "Mossa" in specific regions, professions, or time periods that are not widely known outside of those contexts.

Genealogical research on the last name Mossa

The last name Mossa has its origins in Italy. It is believed to be a regional surname specific to the Sardinia region. The name Mossa is derived from the Italian word "mossa," meaning "wave" or "movement." This suggests that the surname might have originated from individuals living near the sea, possibly those who were involved in maritime activities or fishing. Throughout history, the Mossa family may have been associated with coastal communities and maritime trade in Sardinia. Genealogical research on the last name Mossa would involve tracing its branches and documenting the migration patterns of different individuals bearing this surname. It would require exploring census records, immigration documents, birth, marriage, and death records, as well as conducting interviews with living family members to piece together the family tree and understand the history and origins of the Mossa name.

Last name distribution maps

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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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