Surname Muraya - Meaning and Origin
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Muraya: What does the surname Muraya mean?
The last name Muraya is a common name in Kenya and the East African region. It is believed to originate from the Maasai people, an East African ethnic group native to Kenya and Tanzania. The name is usually passed down from father to son, and it is believed to mean “a man from the Muraya clan” or “a man from the Maasai royalty.”
The main language, spoken by the Maasai people is Maa, and it contains several different sub-dialects specific to the various clans that comprise the Maasai people. The Muraya clan is one such sub-dialect, and over time, this has become the Maasai name associated with the surname Muraya.
The surname itself is popular among East African immigrants who have made the migration to other regions, such as the United States. Those who have chosen to incorporate the last name Muraya into their own family have done so as a tribute or homage to their ancestors and their historical origin.
Muraya is a surname of pride for those who bear it. It carries with it a sense of belonging to a long line of warriors, to the Maasai people and to East African heritage. No matter where in the world they might be, those who bear the surname ‘Muraya’ have an unbreachable connection to a proud people, their history, and a proud and noble name.
Order DNA origin analysisMuraya: Where does the name Muraya come from?
The last name Muraya is most commonly associated with the Kikuyu people of Kenya. It is an ethnic name, typically passed down from generation to generation. It is also found in other parts of East Africa, including Uganda and Tanzania. In Tanzania, it is spelled “Mureha”.
The name Muraya is derived from the Kikuyu language, with its roots in the phrase “Mwurai”, meaning “strong”. This is an example of a common naming practice among many African people of using a descriptive word to represent a family's character or values.
The most notable person with this last name is President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, former prime minister of the Republic of Kenya. His father was called Kanoti Muraya Kibaki, whose family were peasant farmers in the Kikuyu region.
The most common countries of origin for people with the last name Muraya are Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. As of 2021, the two top countries of residence are the United States and Canada. In the U.S., there are an estimated 40,000 Murayas, mostly living in cities such as Los Angeles, Houston, and Dallas.
Muraya is an ancient name with an interesting history and many associated stories, but it has become increasingly popular today. People with the last name today are proud to carry its legacy, as it symbolizes strength, courage, and resilience.
Variations of the surname Muraya
The Muraya surname has several variants and spellings that have the same origin. The most common variant is Murayah, and other variations of this spelling include Murayha, Murreyah, Murreya, Murryah, Murrya, Murrea, and Murriya. These variations can be used interchangeably.
Murray is another common variation of the surname, and variations of this spelling include Murrey, Murry, Murrae, Murree, Murreye, Murri, and Murreey. This surname can be often confused with the more widely known Murray surname, which some people have adopted as an adjusted spelling of Muraya.
The surname Muraya also has many other associated surnames. Murayo is one, as is Morayo, Murayow, Muriye, Mouritsen, Muri, Mori, and Murat. Murachi is another associated surname, which can also be spelled as Murachia, Murachiya, orMurachyah. There are also other surnames that can be associated with Muraya, but that are not as widely used, such as Murayama, Muraura, Murayamay, and Murayo-Ohmura.
In summary, the Muraya surname has many variations and spellings, related surnames, and adjusted spellings that share the same origin. Variations of Muraya, such as Murayah, Murray, Murayo, Morayo, and Murachi, are the most common. Other variations and surnames, though less common, include Murreyah, Murrey, Murree, Murreye, Murrae, Murri, Murreey, Muriye, Mouritsen, Muri, Mori, Murat, Murayama, Muraura, Murayamay, and Murayo-Ohmura.
Famous people with the name Muraya
- Becky Muraya: Kenyan singer/songwriter and performer.
- Jane Mwangi Muraya: first female professor in Kenya's history to be appointed in a public university.
- Rose Muraya: Kenyan artist and poet.
- Kimarua Muraya: Kenyan author and journalist.
- Paulina Muraya: Kenyan entrepreneur and founder of a construction firm.
- Lawrence Muraya: Kenyan politician and male mover in the Kikuyu language.
- Ann Muraya: Kenyan entrepreneur and founder of a social enterprise aimed at supporting artisanal jewelry makers in East Africa.
- Ayub Muraya: Kenyan record producer, songwriter and former member of the gospel choir group, Sauti Sol.
- Steve Muraya: Kenyan entrepreneur and founder of Kenya's largest online supermarket.
- David Muraya: Kenyan writer and playwright.
- Benson Muraya: Kenyan artist and actor.
- Florence Muraya: Kenyan lawyer and former director of the Kenya National Human Rights Commission.