Morse Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Morse come from? What does the surname Morse mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Morse and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Morse Origin: What does the last name Morse mean?
The surname Morse has Flemish origins from old Frisian, dating back to the early 15th century in England. The name Morse was primarily associated with the United Kingdom, particularly England, during the 15th and 16th centuries. It saw significant growth in the United States during the 17th century, indicating an early expansion beyond the UK. Today, the Morse surname is prevalent in the United States and can also be found in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Morse surname in the United Kingdom since the early 15th century. The name's spread continued through the 17th century, reaching regions beyond the UK. Today, the Morse surname is globally dispersed, with a significant presence in the United States and other countries around the world. The enduring history of the Morse surname reflects a rich heritage that has transcended borders and cultures over the centuries.
Morse Last Name History: Where did the last name Morse come from?
Origin of Morse Surname: Where does the last name Morse originate from?
The surname Morse first appears in the YourRoots records in the United Kingdom, specifically England, during the early 15th century. It's important to note that this reflects only the exact “Morse” spelling as per the data available in YourRoots.
History of the Last Name Morse: What does the Morse surname history look like in the early days?
The "Morse" surname was primarily associated with the United Kingdom, particularly England, from the 15th through the 16th century. It was during the 17th century that we see a significant increase in the volume of Morse family records in the United States. This points towards an early growth and spread of the Morse surname beyond the United Kingdom.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Morse surname today?
Our records show a significant expansion in the volume of Morse surname records in the United States from the 17th century onwards. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the United States continued to show prominent frequency of the Morse surname. Today, the "Morse" surname is quite prevalent in the United States, while also appearing in other regions around the globe. Based on the latest records, the Morse surname can be found in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa among others.
Explore Morse last name heritage and Morse surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Morse Surame?
Laila Morse
Maureen Lesley Bass (née Oldman; born 1 Aug 1945) is better known as Laila Morse, an English actress famous for her role as Mo Harris in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She made her acting debut in the film Nil by Mouth and has appeared in various TV shows and films, including I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and Hellboy. Morse is also a breast cancer survivor and published her autobiography "Just A Mo" in 2013. With a career spanning decades, Morse continues to captivate audiences with her talent and resilience.
Samuel Morse
Samuel Finley Breese Morse (April 27, 1791 – April 2, 1872) was an American inventor and painter known for developing the single-wire telegraph system and Morse code. He was also a portrait painter and a key figure in the commercial use of telegraphy. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Morse was the first child of a pastor and geographer. He expressed his Calvinist beliefs in his paintings, including the famous "Landing of the Pilgrims." Morse's work reflected his political views during the War of 1812 and his father's influence. His masterpiece, the "Dying Hercules," symbolized the strength of the young United States. Morse's legacy as an inventor and artist continues to be celebrated today.
Robert Morse
Robert Alan Morse (May 18, 1931 – April 20, 2022) was an American actor known for his gap-toothed boyishness. He achieved fame on Broadway, winning two Tony Awards for his roles in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and "Tru." Morse also had success in film, starring in "The Matchmaker" and "A Guide for the Married Man." His television roles included "Mad Men" and "The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story." With a career spanning five decades, Morse earned accolades such as Tony Awards, Drama Desk Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Wayne Morse
Wayne Lyman Morse (October 20, 1900 – July 22, 1974) was an American attorney and United States Senator from Oregon. Known for his opposition to the Vietnam War on constitutional grounds, Morse served as an Independent and later as a Democratic Party member. He set a filibuster record in the Senate and made a brief run for the presidential nomination in 1960. Despite losing his bid for reelection in 1968, Morse continued to speak out against the war until his death in 1974. His early life on a farm in Wisconsin shaped his progressive beliefs and passion for politics.
Barry Morse
Herbert "Barry" Morse (10 Jun 1918 – 2 Feb 2008) was a British-Canadian actor known for his roles as Lt. Philip Gerard in "The Fugitive" and Dr. Victor Bergman in "Space: 1999." With a career spanning seven decades, Morse worked in film, television, stage, and radio in the UK, Canada, and the US. He was a fixture on BBC and CBC television, and served as an artistic director of the Shaw Festival. Morse's work also included radio dramas, British stage productions, and movies like "Kings of the Sun" and "The Changeling." His legacy lives on through his diverse acting contributions across various mediums.
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