Moorhouse

Moorhouse is an English surname of habitational origin. The name is believed to derive from a place characterized by moorland and a dwelling, combining the elements moor and house. As with many English surnames, Moorhouse spread to other parts of the British Isles and to countries settled by English-speaking communities, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, typically through migration and settlement.

In addition to its use as a surname, Moorhouse appears as a toponym in some regions, where local places may adopt the name from geographic features or early landowners. The exact locations and boundaries of such places vary over time and depend on local records.

Notable people with the surname include Adrian Moorhouse, a British swimmer who won the Olympic gold medal in the 100 metres breaststroke at the 1988 Seoul Games, and who held national records during his competitive career. Other individuals bearing the name have appeared in public life, academia, and professional fields, though none has a single widely recognized association with the name.

Overall, Moorhouse is primarily encountered today as a surname with English origins and as a place-name element in English-speaking regions.