French surname
Dark-haired or dark-complexioned
Descriptive surname
Moreau is a French descriptive surname meaning 'dark-skinned' or 'swarthy', from a diminutive of 'more' (Moor). It was typically applied to people with a dark complexion or dark hair. The name is common in western and central France.
It has been carried by emigrants to many countries. Related forms include Morel. The surname preserves a clear physical description of an ancestor.
Build a family tree with everyone's actual names, photos and relationships.
Dark-haired or dark-complexioned. From French "maur"/"more", describing dark hair or skin.
Moreau is a French-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.
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.
No account or personal details are required to look up a surname's meaning - this page is static reference content.