Moratoc is possibly only a place name, but the meaning is otherwise unknown.

There is little doubt that the Moratoc belonged to the Algonquian linguistic stock and were closely related to the other Algonquian tribes of the sound region of North Carolina.

The Moratoc lived primarily on the Roanoke River and apparently on the north side, and estimated to be 160 miles up the river, though the distance is evidently reckoned from the Raleigh settlement on Roanoke Island.

The village bearing the name of the tribe is the only one known.

The sole mention of the Moratoc is in the narratives of the Raleigh expeditions. They were first recognized as an independent tribe by Mr. Maurice Mook.

Their population is unknown, but reported as large.