Surname Moran - Meaning and Origin
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iGENEA DNA Test Analysis: Unraveling the Mystery of The Moran Surname
Not long ago, I underwent an iGENEA DNA test, aiming to uncover scientific findings related to my surname, Moran. This innovative technology led me down ancestral lanes, revealing fascinating details about my lineage. The report showed my roots to be prominently Irish with unexpected Viking connections and even a splash of Eastern European lineage via my maternal side.
C. Moran
read moreMoran: What does the surname Moran mean?
The surname Moran is of Irish origin and means "descendant of Mórán." The name "Mórán" itself derives from the Gaelic elements "mor," meaning big or great, and a diminutive suffix "-an," suggesting "Mórán" might mean “little big one.” According to Irish legend and history, the name has two primary sources. The first source refers to Mórán, the son of Maom, chief of a Gaelic clan in County Mayo in Ireland. The second source is several unrelated families from different parts of Ireland. The surname Moran is popular in Connacht, a province in the west of Ireland.
The Moran clans have a long history of influence and power in Ireland, with members taking positions as priests, soldiers or statesmen and establishing their presence locally and nationally. Today, the name Moran can be found within Irish communities around the world, preserving a small piece of Ireland's rich history and culture. Despite its ambiguous meaning, the Moran surname connects descendants to an age-old lineage of skilled and prominent individuals.
Order DNA origin analysisMoran: Where does the name Moran come from?
The last name Moran is most common in Ireland, where it ranks as the 8th most common surname. It is believed to be the most common version of its root name, which originates from the Old Irish surname "O'Morain". Around 100,000 people currently bear the name in Ireland, making up approximately 0.6% of the population. The name is also frequently found in the UK, particularly in England where it is ranked as the 40th most common surname.
Outside of the British Isles, the Moran surname is found in various parts of the US, especially in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Nevada. It is also relatively common in Australia, where people of Irish heritage may have emigrated to during the 19th century. Additionally, the name is found in autosomal DNA which indicates that there could be some Moran descendants in other parts of the world, including countries such as Spain, France and Italy.
Those with the Moran surname today can trace their roots to a Gaelic people of the early medieval period. It was during this time that the modern descendant of O'Morain began to be common in the region that is now considered Ireland. Regardless of where they may live today, people with the last name Moran can be proud to know that their ancestors have a long and fascinating history behind them.
Variations of the surname Moran
The surname Moran is an Irish surname originating from the native Irish Gaelic name O'Morain. This is an Old Irish word for "descendant of the great one". There are many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin as Moran, such as O'Moran, O'Moraine, Morain, Morane, Morains, Morane, Malmoran, Maelmoran, O'Moraine, Moray, Morays, O'Moray, Morayes, Morean, Morein, Moraine, Morayen, Moranich, O'Moral, O'Morean, Moriarty and others.
Moran is an anglicised version of the name and is an extremely common surname in Ireland. It is also found in other countries around the world, having been carried by thousands of Irish emigrants since the 19th century. It is most common in Ireland, Scotland, England, Australia and the United States.
Since the 19th century, the Moran name has preserved its Irish form along with the various spellings. This makes it easier for different branches to identify each other as they are getting reconnected.
The surname has also spawned other surnames in various languages over the centuries. In Italy, the cognate of Moran is Mori, and in Spain it is Morieno. There are also some variants in other languages, such as Maurice in French, Moric in German, and Morin and Maurin in Basque.
Overall, the Moran surname is a very common name in Ireland and other countries, and has many different variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
Famous people with the name Moran
- Cody Moran: Comedian and Youtuber
- Dermot Moran: Irish philosopher
- Mike Moran: former English footballer
- Dave Moran: former Australian footballer
- Paul Moran: Australian criminal and murder victim
- Jim Moran: American politician
- Ned Moran: Irish boxer
- Kate Moran: Canadian actress
- Katie Moran: Jewish Youtuber
- Margaret Moran: English politician
- Matt Moran: Australian celebrity chef
- Micky Moran: former British racing driver
- Dawn Moran: Canadian cookbook author
- Peter Moran: American sports writer
- Robert Moran: American composer
- Tommy Moran: American football player
- Terence Moran: American cardiologist
- Thomas Moran: American painter
- John Moran: Australian opera singer
- Celeste Moran: American actress