Murdoch

Murdoch is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin, believed to have evolved from the Gaelic name "Murchadh," meaning "sea warrior" or "protector of the sea." The name is commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Highland, Argyll, and Stirlingshire, as well as in Ireland.

Historically, the Murdoch clan were associated with the west coast of Scotland and were known for their seafaring skills. Members of the clan were believed to have been involved in maritime trade and fishing, reflecting the significance of the sea in their lives.

The surname Murdoch has spread beyond its Scottish and Irish roots, with individuals bearing this name found in various parts of the world, including Australia, the United States, and Canada. Famous bearers of the Murdoch surname include media mogul Rupert Murdoch, who founded the global media conglomerate News Corporation.

Today, the surname Murdoch continues to be a prominent name in British and global society, reflecting a rich heritage of seafaring traditions and resilience.

There are approximately 9,684 people named Murdoch in the UK. That makes it the 956th most common surname in Britain. Around 149 in a million people in Britain are named Murdoch.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Elaine
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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