An Irish and Spanish surname, the Moran family name originates with the Gaelic language. The early spelling was O’Morain and O’Moghrain. The phrase ‘mor’ means big or great one.

Spellings variations include Morant, Murrin, Murran and O’Moran.

With many Irish families leaving Ireland in the early 19th century, many Moran families resettled in Canada, Australia and the United States.

A popular surname of Moran is found in Spain and numerous Latin American countries such as Venezuela, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Eduardo.

The Moran surname is scattered in numerous locations in Scotland, most heavily in Lanarkshire county. The English county of Lancashire and neighboring Yorkshire have many Moran families. The surname is also in several Welsh counties.

The states of New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, California, Connecticut, New Jersey and Ohio within the United States have many Moran families.

Famous: Robert Moran (music composer of opera), Daniel Keys Moran (science fiction writer), Brad Moran (ice hockey player from Canada), Erin Moran (actress), Humberto Fernandez Moran (scientist of Venezuela working on electronic crymicroscopy), John Moran (music composer), Mercedes Moran (actress), Steve Moran (English football player), Kevin Moran (boxer from New Zealand), Hector Moran (professional footballer) and Thomas Moran (author).