Origin & Meaning of the Moriarty Surname
What does the last name Moriarty mean?
The surname Moriarty carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 10,005 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Moriarty ranks as the #3,564 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Moriarty come from?
The Moriarty surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Moriarty name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Moriarty trace back to European. 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 | Moriarty |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,564 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,005 |
| Per 100K People | 3.39 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Moriarty
According to the US Census, the Moriarty surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,005 Americans with the Moriarty last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.77% |
| Black | 0.38% |
| Hispanic | 1.95% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.23% |
| Two or More Races | 1.1% |
Popularity of Moriarty Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Moriarty surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Moriarty surname increased by 344 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moriarty
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