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Origins of the Moss surname

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What does the name Moss mean?

The Moss surname is English, derived from the Old English word 'Mos'. It has a toponymic root and relates to those who lived at a marsh or moor (a mossy place) and their lineage. Sometimes it can also be patronymic, and describe someone who is the son or descendant of a person named 'Moses', or the pet form of that name 'Moss'.

Alternative variations of the name Moss

Moss, Mosse, Mos, Mose, Mors

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Where do most Mosses live?

In 1921, most Mosses lived in London.


Census records trace your ancestors through each generation, so you can follow where your relatives lived through each decade.

Interesting facts about Mosses

How common is your surname?

204th most common surname in the UK

We have 194,000 records for the Moss surname. The oldest one dates back to 1532.

Who were Mosses most likely to marry?

Our Marriage record sets tell us which families married Mosses.

What are the most common Moss first names?

  • John
  • William
  • Mary
  • Elizabeth

Our birth record sets tell us the names of Moss family members

Common jobs for Mosses

Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.

Common Female occupations for Mosses in 1921
Dressmaker

745

Cotton Weaver

723

Laundress

444

General Servant Domestic

404

Domestic Servant

382

Common Male occupations for Mosses in 1921
Agricultural Labourer

881

General Labourer

642

Coal Miner

619

Farm Labourer

530

Farmer

485

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We found over 250,000 family trees with the Moss surname

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