Moore Cemetery Records
Search burial records, grave locations, and genealogy data for the Moore family name across all 50 states.
πΊ Origin of the Moore Surname
Moore is an English and Irish surname with multiple origins: (1) topographic, from Old English "mΕr" (moor, heath, bog) β for someone living near a moor; (2) Irish, anglicized from the Gaelic "Γ Mordha" (noble, proud); (3) sometimes from a descriptive nickname for someone dark-complexioned (Moor = person from North Africa). All three origins converged into the same spelling.
πΊπΈ Moore Families in American History
Moore families came to America from England and Ireland throughout the colonial era. The Irish Moore families (from Γ Mordha) concentrated in areas of heavy Irish immigration β the Northeast and Midwest. English Moore families are widespread across all regions. Moore is also common among African Americans.
Where Moore Families Are Concentrated
| State | Notes |
|---|---|
| North Carolina | Moore County named for colonial leader Alfred Moore; very high concentration |
| Tennessee | Jack Daniel's distillery is in Moore County, TN; strong Appalachian heritage |
| Virginia | Colonial English Moore heritage in Virginia coastal and Piedmont areas |
| Alabama | Strong African American Moore population from Deep South |
| Ohio | Irish Moore families settled heavily in Cincinnati and Cleveland areas |
Famous Americans Named Moore
US Supreme Court Justice; buried at St. Philip's Church, Brunswick County, NC
Author of "Twas the Night Before Christmas"; buried at Trinity Church, NYC
Poet; buried at Evergreen Cemetery, Carlisle, PA
Actor (James Bond); buried privately in Monaco
Search Tips for Moore Family Records
Irish Moore families: look for Catholic church records in Irish-concentrated cities (New York, Boston, Chicago)
North Carolina has exceptional Moore family documentation due to Moore County history
Topographic Moore families (English): research in English county records from moor regions (Yorkshire, Devon)
For Jack Daniel's connection research: Moore County, TN historical records
African American Moore families: Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia Freedmen's Bureau and church records
Frequently Asked Questions
Are English Moore families and Irish Moore families related?
Not necessarily. English Moore (from Old English mΕr) and Irish Moore (from Γ Mordha) developed completely independently. The same spelling conceals different ethnic and geographic origins. Church records and geographic context help distinguish them.
Is Moore or Moor the older spelling?
Moore is the standard modern spelling. Moor is the archaic and topographic form (as in "the moors"). In colonial records, both spellings appear, and More (without the E) is also found in very early records.
Was "Moore" ever used as a name for people of African heritage?
The word "Moor" historically referred to North Africans and Muslims in medieval Europe. Some families of African or Mediterranean background may have been called Moor descriptively. This is a complex area of historical naming that genealogists sometimes encounter in 16th-17th century records.
Can I find Thomas More/Moore family records?
Saint Thomas More (1478-1535) was English and his family records are in British archives. American Moore families claiming descent from him are rarely documented. Most Moore family genealogy in America traces to 18th-19th century immigration rather than to famous medieval figures.
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