Surname Muses - Meaning and Origin

Muses: What does the surname Muses mean?

The last name Muses is of European origin and is derived from the Latin Musa, which related to the Ancient Greek muses. The muses of Ancient Greek mythology were nine goddesses who, according to legend, acted as divine inspirations for music, literature, science and the arts. They symbolised beauty, creativity and knowledge and were worshipped by artists, musicians and poets. The last name Muses, then, could be interpreted to mean someone inspired by art, creativity and knowledge.

The Muses family name comes from a distinct noble English family who lived in the county of Devon in the 1300s. Over time, many branches of the Muses family expanded and spread across Europe, while also taking root in other countries around the world. Today, the name Muses is found throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Australia and New Zealand.

It is believed that those who bear the last name Muses are descendants of the Ancient Greek muses, so those with the name are viewed as naturally being ‘endowed with creativity’. Bearing this name is also seen as being special and unique, providing an advantage when it comes to success in the creative world. Those known as Muses have a few characteristics that set them apart from others – they are known to be artistic, creative, and capable of bringing ingenuity and originality to any task they undertake.

Muses: Where does the name Muses come from?

The last name Muses is commonly found in the United States today, as well as throughout Europe and other countries. In the U.S., the largest number of people with the last name of Muses lives in Alabama, followed by Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. The name is also found in larger proportions in Kentucky, Oklahoma, Ohio, and Indiana, as well as other states.

In Europe, the last name Muses is common throughout England, France, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, and parts of Italy and the Netherlands, as well as a number of other countries. It is also popular in Canada and Australia, with slightly smaller populations in those countries.

The Muses family name is an ancient surname of Greek origin, and is known for carrying this name since the 12th century. The meaning of the name derives from the Greek word ‘moûs’ which means ‘to instruct or think deeply’, and was most likely used as a nickname referring to someone with a deep or wise mind. The use of the name Muses began to be adopted in different regions of Europe over the centuries, and was then brought to America and henceforth spread throughout the world.

Variations of the surname Muses

The surname Muses has a few variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.

The spelling variant is Muse, and three of the surnames of the same origin are Mayo, Mays and Mais.

Muse is thought to be a variant spelling of Mayo or Mays, which are descended from an Old French patronymic surname of the same spelling. The ancestor of the patronymic surname was likely Maus, annickname for Mathieu, a diminutive of the ancient given name Matheus, a Hebrew name which means, “gift of God.”

The surname Mays may have also derived from the Old French given name Mais, which means more or greater.

The French surname Mais is thought to be the origin of the surname Muses, given the similarities between the two. It is believed that the French surname Mais was changed to Muses sometime after it left the country of origin.

The surname Muses is an uncommon one but it can be found in Finland, the United States, Greece, Ireland, Canada and Australia, to name a few. It is also found in different spellings depending upon the country and language.

Famous people with the name Muses

• Mignon the Muse: Mignon the Muse is an American artist, songwriter, and vocalist who has released three studio albums and numerous original singles.
• Joe Muses: Joe Muses is a professional bassist from England who is known for his work with several well-known British rock and punk bands.
• Richard Muses: Richard Muses is an American author, illustrator, and storyteller best known for creating the book series The Foxfire Chronicles.
• Dizzy Muses: Dizzy Muses is an American rapper who is best known for his single “Do It All Again,” which was featured on the soundtrack to the movie Coach Carter.
• Don Muses: Don Muses is an actor and producer best known for playing in such films as The Shining, Home Alone 2, and Die Hard 2.
• Kitana Rage Muses: Kitana Rage Muses is an American windsurfer, fashion model, artist and environmental advocate.
• Thomas Muses: Thomas Muses was a 17th century English engraver and publisher who created an illustrated series of emblem books.
• Rebekah Muses: Rebekah Muses is an American television and film producer best known for producing such hit shows as Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice.
• Thomas Muses Gram: Thomas Muses Gram was a 19th century Danish portrait painter who was associated with the Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen.
• John Muses: John Muses is an American physician and author best known for his work on diabetes care, prevention, and management.

Other surnames

Muse