Surname Moss - Meaning and Origin

Unearthed Secrets & Surprising Links: My iGENEA DNA Test Experience

It was indeed an enlightening trip into the annals of history as my iGENEA DNA Test Report unfolded some startling facts about my surname, Moss. The past caught me by surprise, hurling unexpected turns about the historical path and origin of my surname. The surprising links and associations would make anyone take a trip down their family tree again.

F. Moss

Moss: What does the surname Moss mean?

The surname Moss is of English, Dutch and Jewish origin. It typically signifies someone who lived by a peat bog, as Moss is derived from the Middle English, Old English and Middle Dutch term "mos" which means "marsh" or "bog". Additionally, it could pertain to someone who dwelled by a "moss", which in parts of Northern England refers to a swamp or a marsh. It could also possibly originate from the old English and Scottish term, "Mos" which means "a calf." In a Jewish context, Moss is often used as a metronymic and is an Anglicized form of the Ashkenazic Jewish last name "Moses", signifying a descendant of female given name Moses. Like many other surnames, the origin and exact meaning can vary based on geographical locations and cultural backgrounds. However, in general, the surname Moss is often associated with locations or physical attributes of those landscapes.

Moss: Where does the name Moss come from?

The surname Moss has multiple possible origins. It could be of English, Irish, or Jewish origin. In England, it is believed to have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a peat bog, literally 'of the moss'. It is derived from the Middle English word "mos", which means marsh or bog.

In Ireland, it is found as an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname "Ó Maolmona", which translates to "descendant of Maolmona". This is a personal name composed of the elements “maol”, meaning bald or tonsured, and “mona”, which is a diminutive of “manach” meaning monk.

As a Jewish surname, Moss is often an Americanized form of the Ashkenazic Jewish surname 'Moses' or other similar surnames.

Today, the surname Moss is common in several English-speaking countries including the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. Within the United States, it has the highest prevalence in Utah. According to Forebears, as of 2014, the surname is most prevalent in the United States and most densely populated in Gibraltar.

Variations of the surname Moss

The surname Moss has a variety of spellings, variants and related surnames found across different cultures and languages. In most cases, it originated from geographical features or occupational roles related to moss, such as a peat bog or a person who lived near such a feature.

Some common spelling variants include Mos, Mosse, and Mosses. In Dutch, it can occur as Mos, Moss, or Van der Mos. In Germany, it might be found as Moos or Moser. In Jewish (Ashkenazic) tradition, it could be spelled as Mos or Moses (referring to the biblical figure, not directly related to moss). Variants also occur in Scandinavia as Mos or Möss.

Related surnames include those derived from the same root or those associated with the job roles or locations connected to moss, such as Mossman, Mossop, Mosson, Mussen or Mossberg.

It's important to note that not everyone with these variants is necessarily related, as surnames also evolved independently in different regions and cultures. Similarly, not every Moss surname originated from the geographical or occupational associations mentioned here; some may have evolved from different sources altogether.

Famous people with the name Moss

• Kate Moss: British supermodel and fashion icon
• Robert Moss: Australian author and visionary teacher
• Kristen Moss: American television actress
• Paul Moss: British jazz trombonist and composer
• Stephen Moss: British science journalist and naturalist
• Sacha Moss: British film producer
• Mike Moss: American gospel musician
• Roger Moss: American architectural historian
• Bill Moss: American gospel and rock and roll singer
• Kwame Moss: St Kitts and Nevis footballer
• Matt Moss: Australian Supercross Champion
• Sally Moss: Australian artist and musician
• Sam Moss: Australian folk musician
• Josh Moss: Australian actor
• Alfred Moss: British professional footballer
• Avery Moss: American football player
• Elizabeth Moss: American actress
• Joe Moss: American record producer
• Peter Moss: British photographer and film maker
• Phoebe Moss: Australian social media influencer and entrepreneur.

Other surnames

MosMosbachMosbacherMosbauerMösbauerMosbergMosbergerMosbruckerMosbruggerMoscatMoscatiMoscatoMoschingerMoscowitsMoseMoseleyMoselyMosemanMosemannMoserMöserMosesMoshammerMosherMosierMosimanMosimannMosinger