Moran Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Moran come from? What does the surname Moran mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Moran and family migration on YourRoots Map.
McMorran, Maran
Surname Moran Origin: What does the last name Moran mean?
The surname Moran, originating from Ireland, is derived from the Gaelic term "√ì M√≥r√°in," meaning a descendant of M√≥r√°n, with "Mor" translating to big or great. The Morans were a respected sept of the U√≠ Fiachrach dynasty in Mayo and Sligo. In Ireland, it is generally pronounced as MORR-...ôn, while elsewhere, it follows the French surname Morant, pronounced as m...ô-RAN or morr-AN. The Moran surname is associated with various crests, often featuring three stars and the Latin motto "Lucent in tenebris," meaning "They shine in darkness."
YourRoots data indicates that the Moran surname has historical roots in France from the 16th century, later becoming significantly prominent in Ireland and the United States by the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, Moran surname records are found worldwide, with a notable concentration in the United States, as well as in countries like Ireland, France, and beyond, showcasing the widespread distribution and evolution of this surname over the centuries.
Moran Last Name History: Where did the last name Moran come from?
Origin of Moran Surname: Where does the last name Moran originate from?
YourRoots data suggests that the Moran surname first appears in records from France in the 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Moran” spelling and does not take into account other record sources or variations of this surname.
History of the Last Name Moran: What does the Moran surname history look like in the early days?
The “Moran” surname maintained a close association with France in the 16th century. However, by the 17th century, the frequency of Moran family records began to increase significantly in Ireland. This trend continued into the 18th century, with the United States showing a substantial increase in Moran surname records. This data indicates a shift in the distribution of the Moran surname over these centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Moran surname today?
By the 19th century, the volume of Moran surname records increased significantly in the United States, surpassing other countries. This trend continued into the 20th century. Today, the Moran surname is found in various countries worldwide. Even though the Moran surname remains prominent in the United States, it is also found in countries such as Ireland, France, and other nations globally.
Explore Moran last name heritage and Moran surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Moran Surame?
Erin Moran
Erin Marie Moran-Fleischmann (Oct 18, 1960 - Apr 22, 2017) was an American actress best known for her role as Joanie Cunningham on the iconic TV series "Happy Days." She also starred in the spin-off "Joanie Loves Chachi" and made appearances in various other TV shows and films.
Dolores Moran
Dolores Jean Moran (January 27, 1926 – February 5, 1982) was an American film actress and model. She began her career at Warner Bros. in the 1940s, appearing in films like "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "Old Acquaintance." Despite early promise, Moran's career waned, but she remains a notable figure in Hollywood history.
Peggy Moran
Peggy Moran (born Mary Jeanette Moran, Oct 23, 1918 - Oct 24, 2002) was an American actress known for her roles in classic films like The Mummy's Hand and King of the Cowboys. After marrying director Henry Koster, her bust appeared in all his films. She retired from acting after their marriage.
Moran's family moved to Hollywood when she was young, and she attended top schools before starting her film career at Warner Bros. She later traveled extensively with her husband and had two sons. Moran passed away in 2002 due to injuries from a car accident.
Rachel Moran
Rachel F. Moran (born 1956) is an accomplished American lawyer and legal scholar. With a focus on civil rights, education law, and critical race theory, she has held prestigious positions at UC Irvine School of Law and UCLA School of Law. Moran made history as the first Latina dean of a top-ranked US law school.
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