Moe

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Moe

Gender Boy
Origin English
Letters 3
Syllables 1
Pronunciation mow

Moe, which has 3 letters and 1 syllable, is a male name of English origin.

Meaning of Moe

Dark skinned

Moe is a unisex name of Hebrew origin meaning “of the Lord” or “wished-for child.” It can also be a shortened form of the name Maurice or Maurey.

Save
Rate:
Be the first to rate!
Meaning Dark skinned
Origin English
Gender Boy
Popularity (US) #895 in 1916 Declining Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era Vintage (1900s)

Background & History of The Name Moe

The name 'Moe' is a unisex name that has its origins in different cultures and languages. In Arabic, 'Moe' means 'to love' or 'affection,' while it is derived from 'Mohammed' or 'Muhammad' in Islam. In Japanese, 'Moe' is commonly used to describe a particular kind of passion or fascination, often associated with fictional characters, especially in anime and manga culture. In this context, it refers to an intense emotional response to a character's cuteness or charm.

The name 'Moe' gained popularity in the English-speaking world through various sources. One of the significant influences was the character Moe Szyslak from the long-running animated television show, 'The Simpsons.' Moe Szyslak is the proprietor of Moe's Tavern and is known for his gruff exterior and dark humor. The show's immense popularity contributed to the name's exposure and adoption as a given name for both males and females.

Notably, 'Moe' also has cultural significance in the African American community. It became a popular nickname for African American men during the 20th century. The origins of this usage are believed to stem from the word 'mojo,' which means a magic charm or personal magnetism. Over time, 'Moe' evolved into a moniker associated with strength, confidence, and charisma.

In addition to these cultural references, 'Moe' has a strong presence in pop culture and entertainment industries across the globe. It is often used as a character name in fiction, video games, and comic books due to its simplicity and catchy sound. Furthermore, 'Moe' can also be used as an abbreviation for various longer names, such as Maureen, Maurice, Moses, or Mohammad.

In summary, the name 'Moe' holds diverse meanings across different cultures, including love and affection in Arabic, fascination in Japanese anime culture, and a nickname signifying charm and charisma in the African American community. Its popularity and usage in various media have contributed to its enduring appeal as a given name for both males and females.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Moe over the years.

Check Initials

See what initials Moe would create with your last name.

Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Moe.

Save This Name

Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.

Create Free Account

Partner Matching

Rate names with your partner and find the ones you both love.

Learn More

Sibling Matcher

Find names that pair well with your existing children's names.

Find Sibling Names