Moro Surname Meaning & Origin
What the Moro last name means, where the surname began and where it was first recorded.
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Meaning and origin of the Moro last name
Meaning of the Moro last name: moor, dark-haired. Moro means "Moor", from Latin Maurus. In medieval Italy it became a nickname for someone with dark hair, eyes or complexion, and also a personal name in honour of Saint Maurus, a disciple of Saint Benedict. The singular Moro is typical of the Veneto, Friuli and Sicily, while the plural Mori belongs to Tuscany. Aldo Moro, the Christian Democrat leader, came from Apulia. The name is also frequent in Spain. Cristoforo Moro was doge of Venice from 1462 to 1471, and some have linked him with Shakespeare's Othello, the Moor of Venice. Related surnames include Morelli and Moretti, and Moro families emigrated to Argentina, Brazil and the United States.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Moro name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Moro name in Italy. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as Spain, Argentina and Brazil; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
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The researched Moro pack traces meaning, early bearers and migration routes, and includes a personalized Moro coat of arms.
Moro name FAQ
What does the Moro name mean?
Moor, dark-haired. Common variants include Mori, Morelli, Moretti.
Where does the Moro surname come from?
It originates in Italy, and is also found in Spain, Argentina and Brazil.
Is there a Moro coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Moro crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Moro coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: De Felice, Dizionario dei cognomi italiani; Caffarelli & Marcato, I cognomi d'Italia.