Moresby

Moresby is a surname of English origin. It is believed to be a habitational name, deriving from a place in Cumbria called Moresby, which appears in the Domesday Book as "Moresbi." The name itself likely has Old Norse roots, combining "Mórir" (a personal name) with "byr" (a farmstead or village).

Notable individuals with the surname Moresby include Captain John Moresby, a British naval officer who is credited with charting much of the coast of New Guinea in the 19th century. His explorations led to the naming of Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea, in his honor. Another prominent figure was the Reverend Edward Moresby, a clergyman and amateur astronomer.

The Moresby surname, while not exceptionally common, can be found in various English-speaking countries, reflecting historical migration patterns. Families bearing the name may have links to specific regions of England, particularly the north. The history of the Moresby name is intertwined with the settlement of England by Norse peoples and the subsequent development of place names and surnames.