Moreau
The origin of the surname Moreau
Moreau comes from more, “Moorish” or “dark-skinned.”
What kind of surname is Moreau?
As a descriptive surname (or nickname name), the surname Moreau arose from a personal characteristic — a physical trait, a quality of temperament, or a distinguishing feature of its first bearer. Communities have always coined nicknames, and in the age before fixed surnames these vivid, affectionate or teasing labels — referring to hair colour, stature, complexion or character — frequently became hereditary. Descriptive surnames give an unusually human glimpse of an ancestor, hinting at how they looked or how they were regarded by the people around them.
How French surnames work
French surnames grew from patronymics, occupations (Boucher, “butcher”), locational names (often with “de”, “du” or “des”), and descriptive nicknames. Norman French carried many into England after 1066, and centuries of French pronunciation smoothed their forms. Regional languages such as Breton and Occitan added further distinctive names.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Moreau mean?
The surname Moreau means Dark-skinned. Moreau comes from more, “Moorish” or “dark-skinned.”
Where does the surname Moreau come from?
Moreau is a surname of French origin.
What kind of surname is Moreau?
Moreau is a descriptive surname, originally describing a physical or personal characteristic.
How common is the surname Moreau in the United States?
Moreau ranks #3,853 among U.S. surnames (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 8,473 people.