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Last Name Moyd

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What is the origin of the last name Moyd?

The surname Moyd is of English origin, derived from various places named Mead (meaning "open land with grass") in Lancashire and Yorkshire. However, it's also been suggested to have a possible Scottish origin, as a variant of MacAoidh (MacEwan), meaning "son of the hawk" in Gaelic. The surname has multiple spellings including Mead, Meade, Meades, Moyd, and others, due to spelling variations during different historical periods.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Moyd

The meaning and origin of the last name Moyd

The surname Moyd is primarily of English origin, although it can also be found among Scottish families. The name is believed to have derived from several sources, with the most common being a geographical origin, referring to someone who lived near a moor or marshy area. In Old English, "mōd" means "moor" or "marsh." Another possible origin suggests that the name Moyd could be a variant of the Old Norse name "Maudi," which was brought to England by Viking settlers and later Anglicized. Over time, variations in spelling such as Moody, Moodey, Moid, and Moyde have arisen due to phonetic changes and regional dialects. The surname Moyd is relatively uncommon but has been recorded in various historical records throughout the British Isles.

Geographical distribution of the last name Moyd

The surname Moyd is predominantly found in England and Wales, indicating its origins from these regions. Historically, it is thought to be a variant of the name "Maude," which was originally a Norman name brought to England by the conquering Normans in the 11th century. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved into various forms, including Moyd. In England, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing this surname can be found in the counties of Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire. In Wales, it is most prevalent in the northwest, particularly in Flintshire and Gwynedd. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries due to migration, with significant populations of Moyds in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Moyd

The surname Moyd can have various spellings and slight variations due to transcription errors over time. Some common alternative spellings include Moid, Moide, Moyd, Moides, and Mydd. These variations may arise from regional dialects, family traditions, or historical spelling differences. It is essential to note that the surname Moyd is of Welsh origin, derived from the Old Welsh "Mwyll" meaning "defender," with the addition of the English suffix "-d" to indicate a familial relationship. These variations in the spelling of Moyd reflect its long and rich history within Welsh families.

Famous people with the last name Moyd

Notable individuals with the surname Moyd include:

1. Sir Roger Aden Moyd (born 1937), a British diplomat who served as High Commissioner to India and Ambassador to Malaysia and Thailand.
2. Derrick Moyd (born 1960), a former Canadian football offensive lineman who played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
3. John R. Moyd Jr. (1939–2016), an American attorney who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Finland from 1985 to 1989.
4. Kirsty Moyd (born 1979), a British television presenter and weather forecaster for ITV News London.
5. Mark Moyd (born 1967), an American television news anchor who has worked at WABC-TV in New York City since 2004.
6. William Moyd (1838–1893), a British journalist and literary critic, who was editor of the Saturday Review from 1872 to 1893.

Genealogical research on the last name Moyd

The surname Moyd is believed to have originated from the medieval English given name Maud or Maud, which was a popular Norman female name introduced into England after the Norman Conquest in 1066. The surname Moyd may be a variant of the original feminine name, possibly derived from diminutives such as Maude or Mayd. Over time, it evolved to become a patronymic or occupational name for the son of Maud or a mason, respectively.

The Moyd family is predominantly found in England and Scotland. In England, early records indicate that the surname was spelled variously as Mot, Maude, Mayd, and later as Mood and Moyd. In Scotland, it is believed to have originated from the Gaelic Mac Mahuad, a sept of Clan MacLeod. Notable individuals bearing the name include Sir Richard Maud (1532-1604), an English judge during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and John Mood (1875-1934), a Scottish poet and editor.

Throughout history, the Moyd family has been recorded in various regions of England, including Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Lincolnshire, as well as in Scotland's Western Isles and the Central Belt. The name remains relatively rare but is still found among both English and Scottish populations today.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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