Meaning, origin, history
Murray is a Scottish surname and given name of Norman origin. It is derived from the Old French personal name Morel, which is composed of the elements "mor" meaning "dark" or "sea" and "-el", a diminutive suffix. The name was brought to Scotland by the Normans in the 11th century during the Anglo-Norman conquest of England.
The surname Murray became prominent in Scottish history through the Murray family, who weredescendants of Freskin de Morville, a Norman knight who accompanied William the Conqueror in his invasion of England. The Murray clan played an important role in Scottish politics and warfare, with some notable members including Sir Andrew Murray, who fought alongside Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, and John Murray, the 1st Duke of Atholl, who was a prominent Jacobite during the 17th century.
The name Murray has been used as a given name for centuries, with some famous bearers including Scottish poet Sir David Murray (1840-1928), American actor Bill Murray (born 1950), and Australian cricket player Glenn McGrath (born 1970). Today, Murray remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong, historic name with Scottish roots.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Murry since 1880
Total births
94
Total since 1880
Peak year
1927
12 births
in 1952
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years