Surname Murray - Meaning and Origin

Delving into my Genetic Roots with iGENEA: A Deep Dive into the Murray Lineage

As someone who has recently undergone an iGENEA DNA test, I found the bespoke insights regarding my genetic makeup and familial history fascinating, particularly those regarding my surname - Murray. The technical processes were streamlined and user-friendly, making it an enlightening experience.

Y. Murray

Murray: What does the surname Murray mean?

The last name Murray originates from a region in Scotland known as Moray, and it is a geographical surname. Derived from the Gaelic term "Moireabh," this name translates to "seaboard settlement," reflecting the region's coastal position. During the Middle Ages, the surname was adopted by several Scottish clans, leading to its widespread usage. Despite its Scottish origins, Murray is a common surname not just in Scotland, but also in Ireland and other English-speaking countries. However, it should be noted that in Ireland, Murray may have separate Gaelic origins from the Irish O'Muireadhaigh, meaning "descendant of the sea warrior." In terms of its characteristics, the surname Murray symbolizes a connection with the sea and coastal landscapes.

Murray: Where does the name Murray come from?

The last name Murray is most prevalent in Scotland, where it originated. It is the 60th most common last name in Scotland today. It is also a relatively common name in Ireland and the United States, where it is the 213th and 156th most common surname respectively.

Though it is generally accepted that most people with the surname Murray have their roots in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the name has become quite widespread. Murray’s can be found throughout the English-speaking world, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, as well as parts of Europe, including France and Germany.

Murray is derived from the Gaelic “Morray”, which means “seaside settlement”. According to the Surname Database, the first recorded uses of the name occur in 13th century Scotland in the form of “de Moravia”. A notable bearer of the name is American actor Bill Murray.

The prevalence of the last name Murray today is a testament to the influence of Scottish immigration in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is an enduring last name which is likely to stay common far into the future.

Variations of the surname Murray

The surname Murray has a variety of variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin. These variants typically arise as a result of incorrect recording of the surname and also the use of the same family name by different branches of the same family.

Common variants of the surname Murray include Murry, Murri, Murrie, Murry, Murrey, Murrin, Murrye, Murriye, Murryl, Murryll, Muri, and Murrill. The spelling of the surname can also vary depending on which country the family is from. American versions of the surname Murray include Murry, Morry, Morri, Morrie and Morrey.

In Scotland the surnames of Murrison, Morison, and even Morrice are sometimes used as variations of Murray. In Scotland, variations of the origin of this surname include Murrie, Morie, Mourie, Morrey, Morray, Morrow, Murrow and Murri. In Germany, spellings of Murri and Morri are also used.

In Ireland, variations include O’Murri, O’Moran, O’Moran, MacMorrow, O’Morry, and O’Murray. In England, variants of the surname include Murrill, Morrell, Marrall, Morrill, Marrill, Marrow, and Merrell.

Overall the surname Murray has a variety of spellings in different countries across the globe with numerous surnames with the same origin. The various variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin of the surname Murray undoubtedly stem from the difficulty of accurately recording a correct spelling of the last name, as well as having the same family name used by multiple branches of the same family.

Famous people with the name Murray

• Bill Murray: an American comedian, actor, and writer known for his numerous roles in hit comedies like Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, and Groundhog Day.
• Mike Murray: Australian rugby league coach and former player.
• Sean Murray: American actor best known for his role as Timothy McGee on the television series NCIS.
• Joanna Murray-Smith: Australian playwright, screenwriter, and novelist.
• Anna Murray Douglas: mother of civil rights leader and abolitionist Frederick Douglass and his first wife.
• Nicky Murray: Scottish footballer who currently plays for the Rangers Football Club in the Scottish Premiership.
• Billy Murray: American singer who was popular in the early 1900s, often referred to as "The Grandfather of Jazz".
• Jimmy Murray: Irish Fianna Fáil politician and former government minister.
• Clark Murray: American stock car racing driver who has competed in the NASCAR Busch Series and Camping World Truck Series.
• Denise Murray: British actress who has appeared in many West End plays and television productions.

Other surnames

MurrahMurrant