Morant History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Many Irish surnames come from the Gaelic language native to Ireland. The original Gaelic form of the name Morant is O Morain or O Moghrain, and is most likely derived from the word “mor” which means “big.”

Early Origins of the Morant family

The surname Morant was first found in County Mayo (Irish: Maigh Eo) located on the West coast of the Republic of Ireland in the province of Connacht.

Early History of the Morant family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Morant research.

Morant Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname Morant can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include Moran, O’Moran, Murrin, Murran and others.

Morant Ranking

In the United States, the name Morant is the 14,813^rd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. [1] However, in France, the name Morant is ranked the 5,446^th most popular surname with an estimated 1,000 – 1,500 people with that name. [2]

 Morant migration to the United States +

A great mass of Ireland’s native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Morant name: 

Morant Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• I Morant, aged 26, who arrived in New Orleans, La in 1829 [3]

Contemporary Notables of the name Morant (post 1700) +

• Temetrius Jamel “Ja” Morant (b. 1999), American professional NBA basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies, twice NBA All-Star (2022, 2023), NBA Rookie of the Year (2020)
• Johnnie Morant Jr. (b. 1981), American former NFL and CFL football wide receiver who played from 2004 to 2009
• Blake Morant, American academic, Dean of George Washington University School of Law as of September 1, 2014
• William A. Morant, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Missouri, 1940, 1944, 1956 [4]
• Pablo Javier Morant (b. 1970), retired Argentine footballer who played from 1990 to 2003
• Johann Morant (b. 1986), French professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the ZSC Lions in the National League (NL)
• Henry Charles Frank Morant (1885-1952), Australian writer and photographer, born in Dulverton, England
• Harry Harbord “Breaker” Morant (1865-1902), English-born, Australian adventurer, drover, horseman, bush poet and military officer
• Sir Robert Morant (1863-1920), English educationist
• Philip Morant (1700-1770), British antiquary and historian

Related Stories +

The Morant Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Lucent in tenebris
Motto Translation: They shine in darkness.