Surname More - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
More: What does the surname More mean?
The surname More has multiple origins and meanings, likely due to its use in different cultures and periods.
In Anglo-Saxon, Scottish and Irish cultures, the surname More derives from the Old English or Gaelic word "mor", meaning "big, great or large". It was often used as a nickname to denote someone of large stature or status.
In some cases, More is also a topographical name, denoting someone who lived near a moor or heath, from the Middle English term "more", which means "waste land".
In French culture, More derives from 'Maure' meaning Moorish or dark-skinned, a reference to the Berber and Arab people of North Africa.
As a Jewish surname, More could be an anglicized form of several different like-sounding Jewish surnames.
Finally, More is also common across India, especially Maharashtra, and is used by both the Maratha and Brahmin communities, possibly derived from a regional term related to a peacock.
Thus, the meaning of the surname More depends greatly on the cultural and geographical context of its use.
Order DNA origin analysisMore: Where does the name More come from?
The last name More, alternately spelt as Moore, has origins spanning different cultures. In English-derived cultures, More/Moore is derived from the Old English term “mor”, meaning “moor” or “fen”, and was often given to people living near a moor or a marshland. In Scotland and Ireland, it's a form of the Gaelic "Mór," meaning big or great. It is also found among people of French origin where "More" is derived from the personal name “Maur,” a name introduced to Britain by the Normans.
In India, More is a surname used by several castes and communities including the Maratha, Brahmin, and Goud Saraswat Brahmin communities.
Today, the surname is quite common in England and the United States, being the 16th most common surname in the US. Due to historical migration patterns, it's also found in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In India, it's especially common in the state of Maharashtra. Across nations, the spelling variation often differs, with "Moore" being more common in English-speaking countries and "More" more prevalent in India.
Variations of the surname More
There are several variants and spellings of the surname More, demonstrating different cultural origins and influences. Some variations include Moore, Moor, Moores, Mores, Mor, Moir, and Moorhouse. These spellings are mostly English, Welsh, or Scottish in origin.
In Ireland, the surname was often spelled as O'More, O’Moore, O Mordha or O'Mordha, where ‘O’ signifies descent and Mordha denotes dignity or majesty.
The French version of More is Le More, Moreau or Morin. In Spain and Portugal, it appears as Moro. The Danish and Norwegian equivalent is Mør, while the German version is Mohr. The Italian versions are Moro, Mori, Di Mori, Della Mora, Morini, Moroni, Morone, Morasco, Morasso.
In different cultures, the spelling variations developed depending on the pronunciations and usage in that geographical area. Despite the differences, all variations share a common root, often relating to the color black or dark, or a geographical indicator of residing near a moor. The surnames may have denoted a person's residence, profession, or a particular trait, but now serve as family names passed down generations.
Famous people with the name More
- Nate More: An American football player.
- Gary More: British rock guitarist known for bands Thin Lizzy and Skid Row.
- Hannah More: An English religious writer and philanthropist.
- Thomas More: An English lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman, and notable Renaissance humanist.
- Sara Jane Moore: Attempted to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford.
- Demi Moore: An American actress and film producer who gained recognition for her role in "Ghost".
- Julianne Moore: Academy Award-winning actress known for roles in movies like "Boogie Nights" and "Still Alice".
- Mandy Moore: American singer-songwriter and actress.
- Kenny Moore: An American athlete and sports journalist.
- Roger Moore: English actor who played James Bond in seven films.
- Henry Moore: An English artist and sculptor.
- Alan Moore: British comic book writer and novelist, known for works such as "Watchmen."
- Mary Tyler Moore: American actress and producer, known for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."
- Michael Moore: American documentary filmmaker and author, known for "Fahrenheit 9/11."
- Kelly Moore: NASCAR driver.
- Garry Moore: American television host.
- Benjamin More: German portrait painter.
- Mary More: Wife of Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Mandakini Amte: Née Mandakini More, social worker in India.
- Sir Thomas More: English writer and philosopher, canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church.