Last Name Mcmurry

The surname McMurry is a Scottish and Irish name derived from a place name, likely from one of several locations named "Murray" in Scotland (such as Murrayfield, Murraybridge, or Murrayshall) or Ireland. It originated as a locative name for someone who lived at one of these places or a nickname for someone with a similar appearance to the landscape around the place. The Gaelic form is Mac Mhuiridh, which translates to "son of the sea-eagle". Over time, the name has been anglicized into various forms, including McMurray and Murry.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mcmurry

The meaning and origin of the last name Mcmurry

The surname McMurray (or McMurry) is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Mhuirich, which means "son of Murrich" or "son of the sea-king". The name was initially given to individuals who were descendants of a certain Murrich, a man who held a significant position in his clan or tribe, possibly as a maritime leader. The name is often found in Scotland, particularly in the counties of Aberdeen and Angus, where it was first recorded in the 13th century. Over time, variations such as McMurry, MacMurray, or even Murrary have emerged due to spelling differences and regional dialects. The surname McMurray is now widespread among Scottish descendants around the world, particularly in North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mcmurry

The surname McMurry is predominantly distributed across North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., it is most frequent in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky, reflecting a historical connection to the Scottish Highlands and Ulster, Ireland. In Canada, it is mostly found in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. The name also appears sporadically across other parts of North America, such as Mexico and Central America, suggesting potential migrations or dispersals from the original settling areas. McMurry can be found elsewhere globally, but these two regions show the highest concentrations of individuals bearing this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mcmurry

The surname McMurry has several variations in spelling due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcribing methods over time. Some common versions include MacMurray, MacMurrie, and McMurrey. In Scottish Gaelic, the name translates to "son of the great sea-flood" or "son of the stormy sea." Other variations may also exist based on individual family histories, such as McKimurry, McCurry, or McMoorey, though these are less common. The spelling and pronunciation of this name can vary widely across different countries and generations, reflecting its long history and diverse heritage.

Famous people with the last name Mcmurry

Notable individuals with the surname McMurry include:

1. Robert Joseph McMurtry (born 1936), Canadian politician and lawyer who served as the 21st Attorney General of Canada from 1984 to 1990, and was a judge on the Federal Court of Appeal from 1999 until his retirement in 2011.

2. Kris Kristofferson (born 1936), an American singer-songwriter, actor, and military officer whose McMurry is his maternal surname. He rose to fame as a folk singer during the 1970s and had hit songs such as "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down".

3. Mary Elizabeth McMurray (born 1962), an American actress known for her roles in television series like Criminal Minds, NCIS, and The West Wing. She has also appeared in films such as Star Trek: Generations, Contact, and In the Line of Fire.

4. James D. McMurtry (born 1962), an American singer-songwriter whose music combines elements of rock, folk, blues, and country. He has released several critically acclaimed albums and is a four-time Grammy nominee.

5. J. Evan McMullin (born 1986), an American politician who served as the CEO of the Tugboat Ventures private equity firm before entering politics. In 2016, he ran as an independent candidate for President of the United States and was endorsed by Never Trump Republicans.

Genealogical research on the last name Mcmurry

The surname McMurray (variant spellings include McMurry and MacMurray) is primarily of Scottish origin, stemming from the Gaelic Mac Mhuirich, which means 'son of the smith'. The clan originally resided in the region of Argyll on the west coast of Scotland. They migrated to Ireland during the Ulster Plantation in the 17th century and then later to North America, particularly Pennsylvania, Virginia, and South Carolina, following Scottish settlement. Notable figures bearing this surname include Samuel McMurray, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence; John McMurtry, a Canadian philosopher; and actress Katherine McMurray. The McMurrays are part of the larger Clan MacGregor due to their historical association with the blacksmith trade, as both clans have been linked to the same Gaelic name, Mac an t-Sagairt, meaning 'son of the priest'.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mcmurry"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 12 June 2025

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