Surname Moura - Meaning and Origin
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Moura: What does the surname Moura mean?
Moura is a Portuguese surname with its roots in the Iberian Peninsula. The name is geographical in origin, derived from the Portuguese town of Moura in Beja District, south of Portugal. The word 'Moura' itself is believed to come from the Arabic term 'Mawra', which means 'watchtower' or 'fortress'. This reflects the region's history, as it was once a strategic stronghold during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula in the Middle Ages. Consequently, the surname may have been used to signify someone who was originally from or resided in Moura. The surname Moura is also present in Spanish-speaking countries due to the shared history and influences of the Iberian Peninsula. Like many surnames, the spelling may have varied over centuries and may exist in different forms such as 'Mora' or 'Mourão'. Today, there are many notable individuals with the Moura surname across various fields including entertainment, sports, and academia.
Order DNA origin analysisMoura: Where does the name Moura come from?
The last name Moura is most common in Portugal and its surrounding territories, although it can be found throughout the world. In Portugal, the name is found in the regions of Lisbon, Algarve, and Alentejo. It is also widespread in Madeira, the Azores, and Brazil.
Moura is thought to have evolved from the Castilian word “moro” meaning Moorish, and is thought to have been brought to the Portuguese peninsula following the Islamic expansion. It is also believed to have Spanish and Arab roots.
Outside of Portugal, the Moura surname can be found in parts of South American, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. In the United States, Moura can be found predominately in the states of Florida, Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts, with communities in Cuba, Mexico, Peru and other Latin American countries. The name is also common in former Portuguese colonies in Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde, as well as areas of East Timor, Macao and India.
It is possible that the Moura surname has spread beyond the original borders of Portugal as a result of Portuguese expansion and colonization, as well as immigration patterns of people from these regions to new lands.
Variations of the surname Moura
The surname Moura is of Iberian origin derived from the Galician-Portuguese term 'mouro' (Moor). The variants, spellings and other surnames of the same origin include:
Mora (Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian),
Moura (Portuguese and Galician),
More (Irish, English),
Moreau (French and Occitan),
Moreira (Portuguese and Galician),
Mourao (Portuguese),
Morai (Basque),
Morel (Catalan),
Morán (Spanish),
Morati (Venetian),
Morais (Portuguese and Galician),
Muro (Spanish and Galician),
Moure (Catalan),
Mur (Basque),
Murua (Basque),
Mor (Scandinavian, Danish and Finnish),
Mør (Scandinavian, Danish, and Norwegian) and
Mör (Scandinavian, Swedish).
These variations are often attributed to dialectal differences, political situations or a desire to differentiate people with the same surname.
Although the spelling of the surname may change, the pronunciation typically remains the same. It is generally pronounced 'moor-ah'.
The Moura surname is also found across many countries such as Brazil, Chile, Angola, Venezuela and other European countries such as France, Italy and Portugal.
Famous people with the name Moura
- Diego Moura: Brazilian actor, known for his roles in films such as "Call Me By Your Name" and "The Lighthouse"
- Amandio Moura: Angolan justice minister
- Paulo Moura: Brazilian jazz clarinetist and saxophonist
- Paulino José Moura: Portuguese footballer
- Dhonata Moura: Brazilian fencer
- Rafael Mariano da Silva Moura: Brazilian footballer
- Antonio Amilcar Moura: Portuguese basketball player
- Carlos Alberto de Moura: Brazilian actor, known for his roles in "Paraíso Tropical" and "Aguenta Coração"
- Royce Moura: Brazilian actor, known for his roles in "Cine Holliúdy" and "Quantum"
- Karol Moura: Brazilian singer, songwriter, and actress, known for her roles in "Boogie Oogie" and "Vai Que Cola"