Mooren History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
France
Ireland

Many Irish surnames come from the Gaelic language native to Ireland. The original Gaelic form of the name Mooren is Ó Morain or Ó Moghrain, and is most likely derived from the word "mor" which means "big."

Early Origins of the Mooren family

The surname Mooren was first found in County Mayo (Irish: Maigh Eo) located on the West coast of the Republic of Ireland in the province of Connacht.

Early History of the Mooren family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mooren research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Mooren History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mooren Spelling Variations

The Middle Ages saw a great number of spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name Mooren were encountered in the archives: Moran, O'Moran, Murrin, Murran and others.

Early Notables of the Mooren family

More information is included under the topic Early Mooren Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Mooren family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Mooren name: Alice Moran, who came to Vermont in 1844; Amand Moran, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1795; Andrew Moran, who came to New York in 1840; Bridget Moran, who came to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1847.

The Mooren 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: Lucent in tenebris
Motto Translation: They shine in darkness.