The surname Mouat, also spelled Mouatt, Mowat, and Mowatt, is derived from the Norman surname Mont Hault, which means 'of the high mount' in Latin. Believed to be derived from a family of de Monte Alto, there is evidence of a family of de Monte Alto holding lands on the borders of Wales (Welsh Marches) and a Robert de Monte Alto moved from Wales to the area of Angus (Forfarshire).