Morehead Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Morehead come from? What does the surname Morehead mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Morehead and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Morehead Origin: What does the last name Morehead mean?
The surname Morehead has its origins in Scotland, where it first appeared in records around the early 17th century. It is believed to be a locational or topographical surname, possibly derived from a place name or a geographical feature in Scotland. The name has a long history, with the Morehead family records found not only in Scotland but also in other countries, indicating a global spread over the centuries.
According to YourRoots data, the Morehead surname has grown significantly in the United States since the 18th century. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Morehead surname increased notably in the United States, where it remains prominent today. The surname is also found in countries like Scotland, showing a continued global presence and a rich heritage associated with the Morehead name.
Morehead Last Name History: Where did the last name Morehead come from?
Origin of Morehead Surname: Where does the last name Morehead originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Morehead first appeared in records from Scotland (United Kingdom) around the early 17th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Morehead spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Morehead: What does the Morehead surname history look like in the early days?
The Morehead surname started growing significantly in the United States from the 18th century onwards. YourRoots data also shows Morehead family records in countries like Scotland, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Morehead surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Morehead surname grew significantly in the United States. The Morehead surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Scotland, suggesting a continued global presence.
Explore Morehead last name heritage and Morehead surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Morehead Surame?
John Motley Morehead
John Motley Morehead (July 4, 1796 – August 27, 1866) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 29th governor of North Carolina. Known as "the Father of Modern North Carolina," Morehead advocated for public education, transportation development, and social welfare. He played a key role in the establishment of the North Carolina Railroad and Morehead City. His legacy includes the Governor Morehead School and the John Motley Morehead Foundation, which continues to support educational initiatives. Morehead's descendants have also made significant contributions to society, with his grandson serving as a U.S. Ambassador and his granddaughter receiving decorations for her relief work after World War I.
Dave Morehead
David Michael Morehead (born September 5, 1942) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher known for his time with the Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals. He achieved a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians in 1965, making him a standout in Red Sox history. Despite battling arm injuries, Morehead had a successful career, contributing to the Red Sox's 1967 American League pennant win and pitching in the World Series. His impressive 3.62 ERA in 1970 was the lowest of his career. Morehead's legacy lives on as a skilled pitcher with a memorable no-hitter under his belt.
Boyd Dunlop Morehead
Boyd Dunlop Morehead (24 Aug 1843 – 30 Oct 1905) was a prominent politician in Queensland, Australia, serving as Premier from 1888 to 1890. Born in Sydney, he founded a successful merchant firm before entering politics. Morehead was known for his leadership in the Queensland Legislative Assembly and as an opponent of Women's suffrage. He married twice and had several children, including a daughter with his second wife. Notably, his niece Margaret Goff was the grandmother of P. L. Travers, the author of Mary Poppins. Morehead's legacy lives on through botanical honors and historical records detailing his contributions to Queensland's government.
Albert Hodges Morehead
Albert Hodges Morehead, Jr. (August 7, 1909 – October 5, 1966) was a prolific writer for The New York Times, a renowned bridge player, a lexicographer, and an author/editor of reference works. Born in Georgia, Morehead's passion for bridge led to a successful career in bridge tournaments and publications. He also made significant contributions to journalism, working for various publications, including Cosmopolitan and The New York Times. Morehead's legacy lives on through his numerous publications on games, puzzles, and reference works. His bridge accomplishments and contributions to the world of literature solidify his place as a notable figure in both fields.
William Ambrose Morehead
William Ambrose Morehead (17 Oct 1805 – 1 Dec 1863) was a British civil servant of the Indian civil service who served as the Governor of Madras. He gained recognition for his actions against a rebellion in 1832 and later became a judge of the sadr court. Morehead also served on the Madras Legislative Council and as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Madras. He retired in 1862 and passed away in Edinburgh in 1863, leaving behind a lasting legacy in British colonial history.
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