Origin & Meaning of the Moreau Surname
What does the last name Moreau mean?
The surname Moreau carries the meaning "Water or beautiful." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 9,035 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Moreau ranks as the #3,943 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Moreau come from?
The Moreau surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French 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 Moreau name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Moreau trace back to French. 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 | Moreau |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Water or beautiful |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,943 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,035 |
| Per 100K People | 3.06 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Moreau
According to the US Census, the Moreau surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,035 Americans with the Moreau last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.02% |
| Black | 9.09% |
| Hispanic | 3.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.29% |
| Two or More Races | 1.72% |
Popularity of Moreau Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Moreau surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Moreau surname increased by 562 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other French Surnames
Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Moreau.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moreau
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