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Several families with different Irish names have adopted Moran as the English language version. All are patronymics beginning with Ó, denoting a descendant of the bearer of said patronymic.

Ó Moráin, historically associated with Cos. Mayo and Sligo. The name may be based on the word mór,"big, great".

Ó Mughróin, two families, one in Roscommon, the other in Galway. The name Mughrón is said to mean "seal's slave". The seal (animal)is believed to have had some religious significance in pre-Christian Ireland. The male given name Rónán is also based on the word seal.

Ó Murcháin, two families of this name, one in Leitrim, the other in Offaly. Bearers of this surname are also called Morahan and Morrin in English. Morgan and Markan are also used by the Offaly family. I've no idea what Murchán means, unless it's a diminutive of Murchadh, but then I don't know what that means either.

• Origin of "Moran"... - Elizabeth  Dec 14 2006, 1:59:12 PM
  • Re: Origin of "Moran"... - Jim Young  Dec 16 2006, 7:16:04 AM