'Moorish' originates from the word 'Moor,' which comes from the Latin 'Maurus,' referring to the inhabitants of the ancient Roman province of Mauretania in North Africa.

'Maurus' transformed into the Old French word 'More,' and eventually became the modern English word 'Moorish' through Middle English.

Initially, it referred to the people of Mauretania, but over time it evolved to describe anything related to the Moors, especially their culture and architecture.