Surname Moorhouse - Meaning and Origin
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Moorhouse: What does the surname Moorhouse mean?
Moorhouse is an English surname that is derived from elements of Old English. The surname denotes a person who lived or worked on a moor (an open, uncultivated, grassy land), which is indicated by the element 'moor.' The element 'house' likely refers to a building or settlement on the moor, thus, the person lives in a house on moor.
The surname originates specifically from a place named Moorhouse in northern England, present in counties like Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. Hence it can be classified as a habitation name - a category of surnames derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.
Overall, the name essentially signifies 'dweller at the house on the moor.' It is important to note that many surnames have evolved over centuries and their meanings might have varied or become obscure over time.
Order DNA origin analysisMoorhouse: Where does the name Moorhouse come from?
The last name Moorhouse is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, primarily in the Yorkshire area. This region is made up of the historic counties of North of Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire. It has been suggested that the early appearance of the name is possibly linked to a term used to refer to people living in or near moorland areas. In some cases, the surname may also be derived from the Old English word "morhus" which translates to "swamp".
The surname Moorhouse is commonly found throughout the United Kingdom today, particularly with concentrations of people with the surname in North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. It is also found in other parts of the world, primarily in countries that were formerly a part of the British Empire such as Canada, India, and Australia.
In terms of the United States, the surname was first brought over in colonial times. However, it is much rarer in the States today as many of the original bearers assimilated and adopted different surnames.
The Moorhouse surname is also found in other countries in Europe, particularly in France and Ireland. It is less concentrated in these regions, however, likely due to immigration and population movements associated with colonialisation and industrialisation.
Today, Moorhouse is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. It is a distinctive surname that is easy to recognise and can be traced back to the Yorkshire region of England, where its presence has been recorded for centuries.
Variations of the surname Moorhouse
The surname Moorhouse is known as an English toponymic surname deriving from one of the many places in England named 'Moor House'. These variant spellings can range from Morhouse, Morehouse, Mushouse and Moorhous, as well as surnames with similar spellings and meaning such as Morhous, Morehus, and Morhousen.
Moorhouse usually originates from someone living in or near a house located in a moor. This could have been someone living in an old cottage in a remote, wild, and open area of land or someone living close to a large estate.
Variants with the spelling 'Moorhouse' can be found in England as well as in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Throughout England, there are over one-dozen locations named 'Moorhouse', 'Morhouse', 'Morehouse', or similar variants. Most frequently, variants of this name are found in those regions formerly associated with the Kingdom of Scotland.
This surname is also commonly found in the United States and Canada, where many people of the surname Moorhouse emigrated in the 19th or early 20th centuries. Other spellings of the name, like 'Moorhous', are also found in the U.S. and Canada, largely in states and provinces bordering the United-States.
Many of the Moorehouse families found in the U.S. or Canada likely originated from the numerous locations named Moorhouse found in England and Scotland. Thus, the surname Moorhouse often has rich and varied family history.
Famous people with the name Moorhouse
- Dr. Helen Moorhouse: Revered TV personality and broadcaster with a career traversing six decades. Worked across BBC Radio and TV and penned five books.
- Will Moorhouse: British-born presenter and corporate trainer living in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Jack Moorhouse: British professional footballer for Salford City FC.
- Alex Moorhouse: London-based independent theatre producer and co-founder of Mamacita Productions.
- Christine Moorhouse: Former Editor in Chief of The Hindu newspaper.
- Mary Moorhouse: Experienced Event Manager and Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality. Has held leading roles in hospitality management and organisation across Europe.
- Dean Moorhouse: Award-winning TV producer of shows including Desert Island Discs, Later... with Jools Holland, and Top of the Pops.
- Professor Sarah Moorhouse: Renowned trichologist and leading expert on the science of hair and scalp.
- Stephen Moorhouse: Artist whose paintings focus on the human condition and inspired by his interests in Mutualism, Ritual, and Performativity.
- Midge Moorhouse: English actress, best known for her roles in Just William, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, and Wuthering Heights.
- Dan Moorhouse: Herpetology-focused zookeeper and enthusiastic reptile-respecter.
- Lisa Moorhouse: Professional comedian and script writer who regularly appears on BBC Radio 4.
- Connor Moorhouse: Professional footballer for Notts County FC.
- Tom Moorhouse: Former professional cyclist and social entrepreneur, co-founder of Change Please.
- John Moorhouse: Artist whose mediums span painting, sculpture, and ceramics.