FROM the reference book: "From Abbotts to Zurich - New York State Placenames" by Ren Vasiliev: Moriches, Center Moriches and East Moriches The name derives from the Native Americans who lived there. (He cites 3 references for this entry.) I hope that helps. Richard -- Richard Frisbie d/b/a Hope Farm Press & Bookshop 252 Main Street Saugerties NY 12477 History & Genealogy (NYGenWeb) http://www.hopefarm.com