Mor is a name of Welsh origin, derived from the old Welsh word "mor", which means "sea". The name has been used for both boys and girls in Wales for centuries, but it became more popular in the 19th century as a girl's name.
The earliest recorded instance of the name Mor can be found in the ancient Welsh poem "Canu mawr y cawr" (The Song of the Great Boar), which dates back to the 10th century. In the poem, Mor is one of the three magical boars that are said to have been born from a single acorn.
Despite its ancient origins and historic significance in Wales, the name Mor has not gained widespread international popularity. However, it continues to be used as a given name for both boys and girls in Wales, particularly among families with strong ties to Welsh culture and tradition.
In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the name Mor among Welsh speakers and those seeking unique and meaningful names for their children. Some notable figures who bear this name include Morwenna Banks, a British actress known for her roles in films such as "The Remains of the Day" and "Emma", and Moray Watson, a Scottish actor best known for his role as Captain Mainwaring in the BBC sitcom "Dad's Army".
In the United States, the name Mor had a consistent presence throughout the years with an average of five births per year from 1995 onwards. This steady rate indicates that while not exceptionally popular, Mor has maintained a stable level of usage among parents choosing names for their newborns.