MOORHEAD
Moorhead
Originating from the British Isles, Moorhead is a distinctive surname with a rich history. The surname Moorhead is of Anglo-Saxon origin, believed to have derived from a topographical name for someone who lived near a moor or a headland. The term "Moor" refers to an area of uncultivated land, typically covered with heather and often marshy, while "head" denotes a prominent point of land extending into water or projecting into a larger body of land.
The Moorhead surname is primarily found in the northern regions of England and Scotland, reflecting the geographical features that inspired its original meaning. Over time, the surname has spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, carried by individuals who emigrated to countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Moorhead have made notable contributions in various fields, including but not limited to literature, politics, academia, and the arts. The surname's prevalence in certain regions suggests a strong connection to local communities and a shared history among its bearers.
Today, the surname Moorhead continues to be passed down through generations, serving as a reminder of ancestral roots and heritage. Whether as a link to the past or a marker of personal identity, the surname Moorhead holds significance for those who bear it, embodying a legacy shaped by the landscapes and traditions of the British Isles.
There are approximately 955 people named Moorhead in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,630th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Moorhead.
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
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Alison
- Caroline
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Heather
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Ruth
- Sarah
- Susan
- Wendy
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.