Show ContentsMoresby Surname History

Early Origins of the Moresby family

The surname Moresby was first found in Cumbria, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Moresby family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Moresby research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1160, 1265, 1332 and 1471 are included under the topic Early Moresby History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Moresby Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Moresby, Moorsby, Moriceby, Morrisby and others.

Early Notables of the Moresby family

Notable amongst the family at this time was

  • Rear-Admiral Sir Fairfax Moresby and John Moresby, 19th century English explorer who discovered a natural harbor in New Guinea now called Port Moresby

Migration of the Moresby family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: bearers of the name who came to the new settlements.


Contemporary Notables of the name Moresby (post 1700) +

  • Captain Robert Moresby (1794-1854), British hydrographer, maritime surveyor and draughtsman
  • Elizabeth Louisa Moresby (1862-1931), British novelist
  • Captain John Moresby (1830-1922), British Naval Officer who explored the coast of New Guinea, eponym of Port Moresby
  • Sir Fairfax Moresby GCB (1786-1877), English admiral of the Fleet
  • John Moresby Quintal, Australian politician


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