Murray Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Murray come from? What does the surname Murray mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Murray and family migration on YourRoots Map.
McMurray, Merhi, Murie, Murra, Murrah, Murrey, Murri, Murrie, Murry
Surname Murray Origin: What does the last name Murray mean?
Murray is a surname with both Scottish and Irish origins. In Scotland, it is a variation of the word Moray, denoting a district on the south shore of the Moray Firth. The Scottish pronunciation of Moray became Murray, which is now a common surname among Scottish emigrants. In Ireland, the surname may derive from names like Mac Muireadhaigh or Ó Muireadhaigh, meaning "descendant of Muireadhach" or Mac Giolla Mhuire, meaning "descendant of the servant of the Virgin Mary."
YourRoots data shows that the Murray surname has roots in Scotland dating back to the 12th century. Over the centuries, it has spread globally, with a significant presence in countries like the United States. Today, Murray is a common surname found in various countries worldwide, reflecting its enduring legacy and widespread distribution.
Murray Last Name History: Where did the last name Murray come from?
Origin of Murray Surname: Where does the last name Murray originate from?
The oldest record of the surname Murray, according to our YourRoots database, traces back to Scotland in the United Kingdom during the early 12th century. This data represents records for the exact "Murray" spelling and does not account for other potential sources or varied surname spellings.
History of the Last Name Murray: What does the Murray surname history look like in the early days?
The historical records of the "Murray" surname indicate a strong association with Scotland in the United Kingdom from the 12th through the 16th century. Over the centuries, our YourRoots data shows that the Murray surname began appearing in countries such as the United States, indicating the start of its global spread.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Murray surname today?
Beginning in the 17th century, the Murray surname started to show a significant increase in frequency in the United States. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, with the United States ultimately surpassing the United Kingdom in the volume of Murray surname records. Today, the "Murray" surname is found prominently in the United States, but its global spread is evident in numerous countries around the world.
Explore Murray last name heritage and Murray surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Murray Surame?
Bill Murray
William James Murray (born Sep 21, 1950) is an American actor and comedian known for his deadpan delivery. He gained fame on Saturday Night Live and starred in hit films like Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day. Murray also collaborated with director Wes Anderson on several projects, earning critical acclaim.
Jaime Murray
Jaime Erica Murray (born 21 Jul 1976) is a British actress known for her roles in popular TV series like "Hustle," "Dexter," "Warehouse 13," "Defiance," "Once Upon a Time," "The Originals," and "Gotham." She has also appeared in various magazines and starred in commercials. Murray married Bernie Cahill in May 2014.
Jillian Murray
Jillian Murray (born Jun 4, 1984) is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV shows like Sonny with a Chance and MTV's Awkward. She also lent her face and body to the character Liara T'Soni in the Mass Effect video game series. Murray has appeared in various indie films and mainstream projects, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry.
Ashleigh Murray
Ashleigh Monique Murray (Jan 18, 1988 - ) is an American actress and singer known for her role as Josie McCoy in the popular TV series Riverdale. She also starred in the Riverdale spin-off Katy Keene and has appeared in films like Deidra & Laney Rob a Train and Valley Girl.
Murray's career began after studying acting in New York City. She gained fame portraying the lead singer of the fictional band Josie and the Pussycats, showcasing her talents both on screen and in music.
Jawn Murray
Jawn Christopher Murray is a prominent American TV host, commentator, and media personality based in Washington, DC. Known for his work on Travel Channel, EPIX, and NFL Network, he is also a social media influencer and pop culture expert. Murray has received recognition from Ebony magazine and the NAACP for his contributions to the industry.
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