Show ContentsMoyar History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Moyar surname in Scotland is thought to have been a topographic name for someone who resided near a moor, or heath. The name Moyar is derived from the Gaelic word "mo," which means "big." 1 The name Moyar is pronounced "more," or in some case "moyer." 2

Early Origins of the Moyar family

The surname Moyar was first found in Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, where one of the first records of the family was Robertus More, one of the burgesses in Aberdeen in 1317. Later, Reginald More witnessed an Elphinstone charter, c. 1341, and John More was a canon of Aberdeen, 1366. 2

Early History of the Moyar family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Moyar research. Another 179 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1300, 1402, 1504, 1538, 1609, 1610, 1636, 1644, 1653, 1683, 1862, 1894, 1925, 1933, 1955, 1957 and 1998 are included under the topic Early Moyar History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Moyar Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Moir, Moar, Moer, Moyer, Moyr and others.

Early Notables of the Moyar family

Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Moyar Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Moyar family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: James Moir, who came to Boston in 1651; Elizabeth Moir, who arrived in Virginia in 1684; John Moir, who settled in Boston in 1703; Henry Moir, who was banished to America from 1748.



The Moyar Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Mediocriter
Motto Translation: With moderation.


  1. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  2. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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