This famous Spanish and Portuguese surname recorded in the spellings of De Moreno, Moreno, Moreni, Moreinu and Moreinis, is of two possible medieval origins. The first is that it was a name originally given to people with dark skin or dark hair, the development being from the original Latin 'maurus'. In a country where people tended to fit that description in anycase, this seems illogical, and we consider that the original meaning (as a surname) was obviously much more specific. Our research suggests that the name referred to a 'Moor', a former inhabitant of Morocco.
The Moors conquered much of Spain in the 11th century, and it would seem that whilst the majority of 'Moors' returned to their homeland, many settled in Spain. These people were 'nicknamed' Moreno by the local inhabitants, as an easy means of identity. The surname can also be Ashkenazic, the development being from the Hebrew 'morenu', meaning 'our master', and as such was possibly an introduction by 12th century crusaders, returning from the Holy Land. Early examples of the surname recording taken from authentic civil and religious registers include Maris de San Nicholas de Moreno, at San Pablo Apostal, Spain, on February 27th 1673, and Maria Gertrudis Guadalope Moreno, christened at San Gabriel, Los Angeles, on June 6th 1783. The coat of arms has the blazon of a gold field, charged with a tower proper, in chief two flying blackbirds. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Andreas de Moreno, which was dated January 1st 1538, christened at Chiclana, Cadiz, Spain, during the reign of King Charles 1st of Spain, Emperor of Mexico, 1516 - 1556. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
Research into the possible origins of de_moreno leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname de_moreno is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of de_moreno.
There is a considerable probability that de_moreno has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where de_moreno is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname de_moreno provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.
The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named de_moreno are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname de_moreno, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of de_moreno developed. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname de_moreno.
It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of de_moreno could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about de_moreno and send it to us, we will update it on this website.
We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname de_moreno, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname de_moreno were recorded by the chroniclers of the time. If you or someone you know bears the surname de_moreno, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.
The bibliography collects information related to the surname de_moreno, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of de_moreno are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of de_moreno.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of de_moreno, and at the same time, of surnames in general.