MURRAY
Murray
Origin and Meaning
Murray is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin. The name is derived from the region in Scotland called Moray, originally spelled "Moravia" in Latin, and later anglicized to "Murray." The name is believed to be derived from the Gaelic elements "muir," meaning "sea," and "raigh," meaning "settlement," suggesting a connection to a seaside settlement.
History
The Murray surname has ancient origins, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to medieval Scotland. The Murray clan rose to prominence in the 12th century, establishing themselves as a powerful noble family in the region of Moray. Over the centuries, the Murrays gained influence and titles, including the Earls of Sutherland and the Dukes of Atholl.
In Ireland, the Murray surname is also common, having been introduced by Scottish settlers during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century. Many Murrays in Ireland are descendants of these Scottish immigrants and have integrated into Irish society.
Notable Individuals
- James Murray (1721-1794): Scottish soldier and government official who served as Governor of Quebec.
- Grace Murray Hopper (1906-1992): American computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral, known for her pioneering work in computer programming.
- Andy Murray (b. 1987): British professional tennis player, multiple Grand Slam champion, and Olympic gold medalist.
Variants
Variants of the Murray surname include Moray, MacMurray, McMurray, Moray, Murrie, and more. These variations reflect the evolution of the name over time and its widespread use among different branches of the Murray family.
Legacy
The Murray surname has left a lasting legacy, not only in Scotland and Ireland but also around the world where individuals bearing the name have achieved success in various fields. The name continues to be passed down through generations, preserving the rich history and heritage associated with the Murray clan.
There are approximately 84,658 people named Murray in the UK. That makes it the 71st most common surname in Britain. Around 1,300 in a million people in Britain are named Murray.
Surname type: From given name or forename
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
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Moray
- Marra
- Maura
- Marras
- Mara
- Meara
- Maira
- Maurais
- Sutherland
- Marray
- Maray
- Maraye
- Marrai
- Murra
- Mera
- Meray
- Merayo
- Merray
- Mira
- Miray
- Mirra
- Mora
- Morray
- Moura
- Mouras
- Mura
- Murai
- Murar
- Muras
- Muray
- Muraya
- Murr
- Murrad
- Murraey
- Murrah
- Murral
- Murram
- Murran
- Murrar
- Murrary
- Murras
- Murrat
- Murrays
- Murre
- Murrey
- Murroy
- Murrray
- Murruy
- Murry
- Maara
- Mahra
- Marae
- Marai
- Marree
- Meera
- Mehra
- Mehrai
- Meira
- Merai
- Miera
- Mirea
- Moara
- Morea
- Moreea
- Mourao
- Mourra
- Mur
- Murau
- Muraz
- Muree
- Murey
- Murie
- Murira
- Murrain
- Murrall
- Murratt
- Murrie
- Mury
- Merry
- Moorey
- Morra
- Morrey
- Murad
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.