The first reference to "moreys dauncers" in English print is 1458 in Will of Wetenhale. It is spelt 'Mourice' in a reference of 1498.

It is still considered possible that the name comes from the Flemish, mooriske dans, also known in other parts of Europe, esp. Greece. Just a dance in the style of the Moors.

There probably are several origins to the dance as performed in the British Isles, including revivals for the hell of it (and beer); the name coming to apply to all of them.