Surname Murrah - Meaning and Origin

Murrah: What does the surname Murrah mean?

The surname Murrah has its origins in the Arabic language and it loosely translates to "pure", "elite" or "superior". This was usually given to families or individuals who were of high social status or displayed superior qualities, in order to distinguish them from others. The use of last names or surnames is an ancient practice, mainly used to denote a person's family lineage, occupation, place of birth, or personal characteristics. It's also possible that some people bearing the surname Murrah could have Irish roots, as it shares similarity with the Gaelic last name "O’Morchoe", which means "descendant of the sea warrior". However, without context, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact ethnic or geographic origin of the surname for a particular individual. In every sense, personal names, including last names are an essential part of our identity and heritage.

Murrah: Where does the name Murrah come from?

The last name Murrah is most commonly associated with the American South. One of the earliest recorded Murrahs was an Irishman who emigrated to America in the 1600s and settled in Virginia. Since then, the Murrah name has been passed down through generations of families in that region. Today, it's still most commonly seen around that area, with many branches in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and a strong concentration in the Mississippi Delta. There are also a few scattered Murrahs to be found in other regions, such as the Midwest and the Northeast, and even a few in Canada and the United Kingdom.

The reason Murrahs tend to be concentrated in the South is that they are connected to the region's culture. During the American Civil War, many Murrahs served in the Confederate Army, including some who achieved the rank of major. After the war ended, many Murrahs continued to reside in the South and passed down family traditions, including recipes and stories.

In the modern era, Murrahs are still proud of their Southern roots and identify as Southern Americans. They often stay connected to each other through social media outlets like Facebook or forums. While the last name Murrah is spread out all over the United States, it is still strongly associated with the South today, thanks to its deep familial roots in the region.

Variations of the surname Murrah

The Murrah surname has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Murr, Mur, Murre, Mourr, Murrah, Morroh, Morrow, Mowry, Murrey, Moray, Morah, Morrowa, Mora, Moriah, Moir, Moora, Murry, and Mooray.

The origin of the Murrah surname is believed to originate from the Norman- Picardy region and originally date back to 12th century France. Through the centuries the family name has evolved and increasingly spread to other parts of the world.

The numerous variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origins are a reflection of the migration and adaptation to the local customs and languages. Over time, the various forms of the name were adopted and used in England, Germany, Scotland, Ireland, and India.

The variant “Moray” is of Scottish origin and is known to stem from the Gaelic term “M’Orthaidh” meaning “settlement in a sea inlet.”

Similarly, “Mowry” is believed to be of English or Scottish origin and is derived from the old English terms “Moor” and “Rig” which translates to “a hill of bogs”.

In India, the surname “Murrah” is the variant most commonly used and is derived from the Persian word “Murraa” which translates to “Joyful”.

Overall, the Murrah surname has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Variations of the same name reflect migration, adaptation, and culture which has enriched the origins of the name.

Famous people with the name Murrah

• Allen Murrah: an American film and television composer and conductor
• Henry Lamont Murrah: a lawyer and jurist who served as a chief justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court
• Reuben V. Murrah: the 11th Governor of Oklahoma
• Robert Murrah: the 22nd Governor of Oklahoma
• Shelton Murrah: a former American football tight end in the National Football League
• James Murrah: a former commissioner of the International Boxing Association
• Arthur Murrah: a British soldier who won the Victoria Cross in World War One
• Payne Murrah: a former Naval officer who served during World War One
• Clifford Murrah: an Army soldier who was awarded the Purple Heart during World War Two
• Ernest Murrah: a major-general in the US Army in the 1960s and 1970s

Other surnames

MurrantMurray