MOREAU
Moreau
Moreau is a French surname, derived from the Old French word "more" meaning "Moor" or "dark-skinned". Despite its French origins, Moreau is also found as a surname among families of British descent.
Origin and History
The Moreau surname originated in France and may have been brought to Britain through migrations or marriages between French and British families. The name is of toponymic origin, meaning it likely originated from a place name. There are several places in France called "Moreau", which could have been the ancestral home of the first bearers of this surname.
Distribution
While more common in France, the Moreau surname can also be found among British families, though in smaller numbers. The distribution of the Moreau surname in Britain is not as prolific as in France but can still be found in certain regions where French influence historically played a role.
Notable Individuals
- John Moreau (1805–1871) - British artist known for his landscape paintings.
- Lucy Moreau (b. 1982) - British actress who has appeared in various theatre productions.
- Philip Moreau (1921-2005) - British poet and writer, known for his works exploring themes of identity and cultural heritage.
Legacy
The Moreau surname, while not as common in Britain as in France, still holds significance for those who bear it. Whether as a reminder of French heritage or as a unique family name, the Moreau surname continues to be passed down through generations, linking individuals to their ancestral roots.
There are approximately 368 people named Moreau in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Moreau.
Region of origin: Europe
Country of origin: France
Language of origin: French
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alexandre
- Arthur
- Brian
- Christopher
- Cyril
- Daniel
- David
- Francis
- Francois
- Frederic
- Mark
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Paul
Female
- Christine
- Claire
- Denise
- Emmanuelle
- Georgina
- Isabelle
- Jean
- Laura
- Marie
- Melissa
- Michelle
- Nathalie
- Stephanie
- Sylvie
- Zena
Similar and related surnames
- Mauro
- Maru
- Maro
- Mear
- Mare
- Mearus
- Morea
- Mereu
- Mero
- Meru
- Miru
- Moare
- Mor
- Mora
- More
- Moreaux
- Moree
- Moreea
- Moreu
- Moria
- Moro
- Morou
- Morreau
- Moru
- Morus
- Moure
- Moureau
- Moureaux
- Mouro
- Mureau
- Muro
- Muru
- Maroe
- Mauroo
- Maweu
- Mere
- Merew
- Mire
- Mirea
- Miro
- Moar
- Moor
- Moren
- Mores
- Morez
- Moriai
- Morie
- Moros
- Morow
- Morr
- Morre
- Morrow
- Morum
- Moruz
- Mour
- Mure
- Murewa
- Muroe
- Murro
- Murru
- Maier
- Mara
- Marr
- Meir
- Mohr
- Moore
- Murie
- Murrie
- Myrie
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.