All surnames

English surname

Moore

Lived on the moor

Locational surname

Moore (also spelled Moor or More) is a topographic surname from Middle English 'more', meaning a person who lived on or near a moor or marshy upland. Moors were extensive in parts of northern and western England and provided grazing as well as fuel in the form of peat.

The surname became hereditary in the 13th century and is especially common in northern England and Ireland (where it sometimes anglicizes Gaelic names). Related forms include Moor and Atmore. The name reflects the distinctive landscape of the British uplands.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Moore mean?+

Lived on the moor. From Old English "mor" (moorland), a locational surname for open, marshy upland.

Is Moore a common surname?+

Moore is a English-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?+

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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