Moat

The surname Moat is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "mot", meaning a moat or a trench dug around a castle or a fortification for defence. As a surname, Moat may have been a toponymic name for someone who lived near a moat, or it could have been an occupational name for a ditch digger or a fortification builder.

The Moat family name is found predominantly in the Yorkshire region of England, where historical records show the earliest instances of the surname dating back to the medieval period. Over time, branches of the Moat family have spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.

Variants of the surname Moat include Mote, Mott, and Motte. The name has also undergone various spelling changes over the centuries due to dialectal influences and clerical errors in record-keeping.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Moat have made contributions to various fields, including literature, art, and politics. The Moat family name continues to be passed down through generations, preserving a link to England's rich history and heritage.

Overall, the surname Moat carries with it a legacy of fortitude, resilience, and a connection to the land and its defences, reflecting the historical significance of fortifications in English medieval society.

There are approximately 1,120 people named Moat in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,759th most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Moat.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • Colin
  • David
  • Gary
  • James
  • John
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Lisa
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Samantha
  • Sara
  • Sharon
  • Susan
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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