Moritz is a strong, distinctive male name of German origin, derived from the old Germanic Maurus meaning 'dark' or 'swarthy'. It was first used by the ancient Roman family Moritii, known for their dark complexions. Popular among German nobility during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, Moritz has been carried through history by notable figures like Elector of Saxony (1521-1553), and has been used in literature by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Today, it remains popular in German-speaking countries and beyond.