Although historical sources attest to a variety of spellings (such as Moel Famma, Moel Vamma and Moel Fammau), the only two in common use today are Moel Famau and Moel Fama. The first word moel is a common Welsh place-name element meaning 'bare'. The meaning and preferred spelling of the second element are less certain, but is roughly translated into ‘Mothers'.