Origin & Meaning of the Moore Surname
What does the last name Moore mean?
The surname Moore carries the meaning "From a moor or marshland, or Anglicized from the Irish O'Mordha." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 724,374 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Moore ranks as the #18 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Moore come from?
The Moore surname has its roots in English/Irish heritage. Names of English/Irish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Moore name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Moore trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Moore |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a moor or marshland, or Anglicized from the Irish O'Mordha |
| Origin | English/Irish |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #18 |
| US Count (2010) | 724,374 |
| Per 100K People | 245.57 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Moore
According to the US Census, the Moore surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 724,374 Americans with the Moore last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 66.41% |
| Black | 27.74% |
| Hispanic | 2.34% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 0.68% |
| Two or More Races | 2.34% |
Popularity of Moore Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Moore surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Moore surname increased by 25,703 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Moore Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Moore ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Moore Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Moore Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Moore
- ✓ The Moore coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Moore families live today
- ✓ Notable Moore bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Moore
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Moore.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moore
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Moore surname also look for: