Moses: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced MOH-zuhs · 2 syllables
Moses means “to give birth to; water”, from Hebrew and Latin and Greek.
From Latin Moses, from Ancient Greek (Moses), from earlier (Mouses), from Biblical Hebrew (mose). Further etymology is unclear, but it is sometimes conjectured to derive from Egyptian ms-s (msj, “to give birth to”), a common element in Egyptian names of the form ‘[name of deity] is the one who bore him’; or, alternatively, contains Egyptian N35A (mw, “water”).
- Meaning
- to give birth to; water
- Origin
- Hebrew, Latin, Greek
- Pronunciation
- MOH-zuhs
- US rank (2025)
- #515
- US babies a year
- about 578 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1880
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Biblical, Classic
How popular is Moses?
Moses was the #515 name in the US in 2025, given to 589 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #515 |
| England & Wales | #642 |
| Scotland | #892 |
| Canada | #679 |
| Australia | #352 |
How old are people named Moses?
Half of US adults named Moses are older than 42; most are between 19 and 82. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Moses
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Moses
What does the name Moses mean?
Moses means “to give birth to; water”. It comes from Hebrew and Latin and Greek.
How do you pronounce Moses?
Moses is pronounced MOH-zuhs.
How popular is the name Moses?
Moses was the #515 name in the US in 2025, given to 589 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1880.
How old are people named Moses?
Half of US adults named Moses are older than 42. Most are between 19 and 82.