morais

Morais is a surname of Portuguese origin and, in some contexts, a toponym used in Portuguese-speaking regions. The exact etymology is not definitively settled; the name is commonly associated with either a toponymic source—places named Mora or Morais—or with the noun mora, meaning blackberry in Portuguese, with the -ais suffix forming a family or locational designation. As a placename element, Morais can identify communities that originated near blackberry-bearing lands or in areas linked to a place called Mora.

The surname Morais is widespread in Portugal and Brazil, and it also appears in other Lusophone countries such as Angola and Mozambique, as well as within diaspora communities in Europe and the Americas. A closely related variant, Moraes, is prevalent in Brazil and elsewhere; the two spellings share the same root, with regional preferences influencing usage.

In addition to its use as a surname, Morais appears as a place name for small settlements or parishes in Portuguese-speaking regions. In genealogical and historical records, the name often denotes origin from a particular locality or landholding. In contemporary contexts, bearers of the name have pursued diverse professions across politics, sports, and the arts.

See also: Moraes.