Origin & Meaning of the Moses Surname
What does the last name Moses mean?
The surname Moses carries the meaning "Son of Moses." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 39,216 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Moses ranks as the #887 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Moses come from?
The Moses surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese 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 Moses name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Moses trace back to Spanish. 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 | Moses |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Moses |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #887 |
| US Count (2010) | 39,216 |
| Per 100K People | 13.29 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Moses
According to the US Census, the Moses surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 39,216 Americans with the Moses last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 55.05% |
| Black | 34.47% |
| Hispanic | 2.6% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 2.03% |
| Native American | 3.16% |
| Two or More Races | 2.7% |
Popularity of Moses Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Moses surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Moses surname increased by 2,402 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Moses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moses
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