Surname Moma - Meaning and Origin

Moma: What does the surname Moma mean?

The last name Moma does not have a universally accepted meaning as it can be found in various cultures and languages with different interpretations. In some regions of Africa, it is a common surname with the Igbo people, among others, but its specific meaning within this context seems unclear. Moma is also a short form of Momaday, a Native American Kiowa surname that means "he will watch over us" and is usually associated with the butterfly. Additionally, there are instances where the term "Moma" or "MoMA" refers to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, rather than being used as a surname. It's also important to note that many surnames may originate from occupations, geographical locations, or ancestral given names, but without a clear cultural or regional context, it's difficult to assign a specific meaning to the name Moma. Therefore, the meaning of the surname could largely depend on the family's personal history and lineage. Always ensure to consider this breadth when seeking the significance behind this – or any – surname.

Moma: Where does the name Moma come from?

The last name Moma is still common today, primarily in certain areas of the world. This surname is most common across the African continent, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Mozambique. It also appears in small numbers across Europe, but is more strongly connected to African countries.

Within specific parts of the African continent, the Moma surname is particularly strong. This includes certain regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola in Central Africa, Guinea-Bissau in West Africa, and Mozambique in the East. It is also present in South Africa, Zambia, and Malawi.

Given the geographical nature of the Moma name, its popularity outside of Africa is far more limited. Small numbers of Moma’s are found throughout parts of Europe, particularly in Portugal, France, and Italy.

In Portugal, Moma is found in the Algarve and in Central Portugal; in France it can be found in the departments of Gironde and Bas-Rhin; and in Italy it is found in Emilia-Romagna and Piedmont.

Clearly, the Moma surname originated in the African continent, and its most vibrant presence can still be found there today. But given its limited but firm presence in Europe, its popularity across other locations is slowly growing.

Variations of the surname Moma

The surname Moma is a variant of the similar surnames Momma, Momme, Memme, Mamme, and Moema. It is an ancient German surname, most likely derived from the Old Frisian language which was spoken by the Frisians, a Germanic ethnic group that once lived in what is now the northwestern corner of the Netherlands.

Moma is also spelled as Mauhme, Maume, Maumme, Maume, Momea, Maumeh and Maummeh. It is sometimes found in its more modern spelling, Momme, as well.

The geographical origin of the Moma surname is determined by the suffix, which usually indicates the location where the original family resided. The Moma surname is most often associated with Northern Germany, where it is generally derived from the place name Moema, or Meema. It is also associated with Austria and Switzerland, where it is derived from the two spellings, Mauma and Muma, respectively.

The Moma surname is found in several European countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

In the United States, the Moma surname has been found as early as 1788 in Massachusetts. Interestingly, Moma can be found not only among Germanic immigrant families but also among African-American families, who adapted it from the Spanish or Portuguese name Momo upon their arrival in the New World.

It is also found in several other countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, Brazil, and India. In Australia, the Moma surname is found among Aboriginal populations, derived from the name Momorroro.

In conclusion, the Moma surname is a variant of several similar surnames, all of which have been used since ancient times and can be found in various countries around the world.

Famous people with the name Moma

• Jean-Claude Moma: former Prime Minister of Congo-Brazzaville
• Akosua Adoma Owusu: award-winning film director from Ghana
• Mohamed Moma: Algerian football player
• ENow Moma: Nigerian gospel singer
• Bernard Moma Ahanda: Cameroonian politician
• Julius Moma: Kenyan football player
• Kadiatou Moma: Senegalese journalist
• Flore Arthur Moma: author from the Democratic Republic of Congo
• William Yoka Moma: politician from the Central African Republic
• Zizou Moma Belo: Burkinabe singer

Other surnames

Momma