Moir

Moir is a surname of Scottish origin. It is found in Scotland and among descendants of Scottish emigrants in English-speaking countries. The spelling Moir is a variant of the longer forms Muir, Moor, and Moore, which share a common root in older languages describing a landscape feature such as a moor or the sea. The exact etymology is uncertain, but the name likely derives from a Gaelic or Old English element referring to moorland or coastal areas. In historical records, the form Moir appears in Scotland from the late medieval period, often alongside the other spellings.

Geographic distribution: The name was historically localized in Scotland, with later dispersal to northern England and overseas. In the 18th through 20th centuries, many Moirs emigrated to Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, contributing to local communities in those countries.

Notable bearers: As a relatively small surname, Moir is associated with various individuals who have contributed in areas including academia, the arts, business, and public life, but no single representative figure defines the name.

See also: Related surnames include Muir, Moor, and Moore. The word "moire" (with an accent) or "moire pattern" is a separate term used in textiles and imaging; it is not etymologically related to the surname.