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Last Name Moure

What is the origin of the last name Moure?

The surname Moure is of French origin. It derives from the Old French "mure," meaning a wall or enclosure made of stone or masonry. Over time, it evolved into various spellings such as Mur, Mour, and Moure in different regions and languages. In many cases, it was often used to identify someone who lived near or worked on such a structure.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Moure

The meaning and origin of the last name Moure

The surname Moure is of French-Norman origin, derived from the Old French word "mure" which means 'wall' or 'rampart'. Originating from the Normandy region, it was primarily used to denote someone who lived near or worked on a defensive structure. As a result of the Norman Conquest in 1066, many Normans settled in England and brought their surnames with them, causing an increase in the prevalence of Moure as a surname among English families over time. The name is pronounced /ˈmʊər/ in both English and French, and has various spelling variations including More, Mor, and Moore. The name's association with defensive structures can be symbolic, as surnames often serve to reflect the occupation or traits of the family's progenitor.

Geographical distribution of the last name Moure

The surname Moure is predominantly found in Spain and Portugal, primarily in their northern regions. In Spain, it is most concentrated in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Basque Country, reflecting the historical influence of these regions on Spanish culture. In Portugal, it is more common in the northwest, particularly in Minho and Douro Litoral. The name also has a presence in French-speaking areas, notably in France's Basque region and the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges with the Iberian Peninsula. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in South America, primarily Argentina and Uruguay, where Spanish and Portuguese immigrants settled during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Moure

The surname Moure has several variations and spellings in English. Some common versions include Moore, Mour, More, Mooar, Moor(e), Muer, Murr, Moura, Mourea, and Muares. These differences primarily arise from regional dialects and phonetic spelling over time. For example, the "o" in Moore is pronounced as a short "o" sound, while in some variations like Mour or Muer, the "o" may be pronounced as a longer "oh" sound. Additionally, in some countries where the surname originated from, regional dialects may lead to slight changes in spelling. The most common variant, Moore, is of Old French origin and originally meant "marsh dweller." Other variations have similar origins or are derived from the same root name over time.

Famous people with the last name Moure

The Moure surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. In literature, Eduardo Moure (1937-2014), an Argentine writer and journalist, was known for his works such as "La memoria" and "El hombre que se fue en la luna". In academia, Carlos Rovira Moure is a renowned Catalan historian and professor at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. In sports, Guillermo Moure, an Argentine footballer, played as a defender for multiple clubs including Boca Juniors and River Plate. Furthermore, Jorge Luis Moure, a Spanish-born Chilean poet, is recognized for his contributions to Latin American poetry. Lastly, in the realm of politics, Enrique Moure, a Bolivian lawyer and politician, served as the Minister of Defense during the Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada administration.

Genealogical research on the last name Moure

The surname Moure originates from the Basque region in Spain and the French Pyrenees. It is a toponymic name, derived from various places called "Moure" or similar variants, such as Mora, More, Moor, or Moore. The Basque village of Moure is located in Navarra province and is believed to be the original source of the surname. Over time, families bearing this name migrated across Europe, particularly France, England, and Portugal, adopting local variations of the spelling as they settled. Notable individuals with the surname Moure include athletes, artists, politicians, and scholars. The family's history is rich and diverse, reflecting the dynamic cultural exchange that has shaped Europe over centuries.

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 : 12 June 2025

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