Brief Etymology: The Lehite PN MORONI may derive from roots meaning “belonging to Moron, of, from Moron,” “my beloved,” “I was beloved,” or “my lord.”

Extended Discussion: The Lehite PN MORONI may be the gentilic of the Jaredite GN Moron (see the entry Moron) (JAT). Hugh Nibley also pointed out the connection, giving the meaning “belonging to Moron” or “of Moron” to the name MORONI. It is also possible that MORONI is from the Egyptian mr n=i, “beloved to me > my beloved,” or mr.n=i, “I was beloved” (RFS).

A hypocoristic form, “(my) lord,” is from the Aramaic marōn, “lord,” plus the first person common singular possessive suffix or a hypocoristic ending is something less likely (JCH). A deviation from the Mishnaic Hebrew mārōn, “rebellion,” is also somewhat less likely (JCH). There is a place-name bêtaměrôn from the root √mrh (the i ending would be an adjectival, gentilic form, “the one of”). However, in view of the name Moronihah, this translation is somewhat unlikely (JCH). See also the suggestions for Moron.