Last Name Muray

The surname Muray (or Murray) is of Scottish and Irish origin. It is derived from a place name, likely one of several locations named "Murray" in Scotland. The first recorded use of the name dates back to the 12th century, when it was borne by William de Moravia who held lands in both England and Scotland. In Ireland, the surname Murray is predominantly found in Ulster where it represents a Plantation family name introduced into that province by Scottish settlers during the 17th century. The name may also be of native Gaelic origin in Ireland, derived from "Murchadha" or "Murchadh," which means "sea warrior." In both Scotland and Ireland, the name has been borne by significant historical figures including kings, warriors, and political leaders.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Muray

The meaning and origin of the last name Muray

The surname Muray (or Murray) is of Scottish Gaelic origin, derived from the placename Mhuir-Aoidh, meaning "sea-battle" or "sea-storm." This name was originally given to someone who lived near such a place, or perhaps to someone born during a storm at sea. The name is closely associated with Scotland and its history. The House of Stuart, one of the most powerful royal families in Scotland's history, bears this surname, and it became the royal family of England and later Britain when James VI of Scotland inherited the English throne as James I in 1603. It has since spread globally due to Scottish immigration, particularly during the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries, and also through the colonial expansion of Great Britain. Today, Murrays can be found in many countries, preserving their unique heritage while adapting to new cultures and environments.

Geographical distribution of the last name Muray

The surname Muray is predominantly found in Scotland, where it originated from the Gaelic Mac Mhuirich or Moray, meaning "son of the smith" or "of Moray," respectively. Historically, its distribution was concentrated in the Highlands and Islands regions. However, with population migration and globalization, individuals bearing the Muray name can now be found worldwide, particularly in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and other English-speaking countries, due to Scottish emigration during the 18th and 19th centuries. In recent years, it has also appeared in various parts of Europe and Asia as a result of intermarriage and genealogical research. The diaspora of the Muray name reflects the broader movement of Scots across the globe throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Muray

The surname Muray, or its variants, has multiple spellings and forms across different regions and time periods. Some common variations include Murray, Morray, Morey, Mure, and Muir. These differences can be attributed to factors such as phonetic changes over time, regional dialects, and historical recordkeeping errors. The earliest recorded spelling of the name dates back to the 12th century in Scotland, where it was originally written as de Moravia or de Muray, referring to someone from Moray, a region in northeastern Scotland. Throughout history, the name has been borne by notable figures like James Murray, Prime Minister of Australia, and William Muray, a Scottish poet from the 16th century. Today, people with this surname can be found across the globe, each bearing their unique spelling or variation.

Famous people with the last name Muray

Yuki Murata is a renowned Japanese tennis player who has achieved significant success in her career. She won two Grand Slam singles titles and reached the world No. 1 ranking in doubles. Another prominent figure with the surname Muray is William J. Murady, an American attorney and diplomat. He served as the United States Ambassador to Israel from 1985 to 1989 under President Ronald Reagan. In the realm of sports, Yoshihide Murayama, a Japanese former judoka, won Olympic gold medals in both the lightweight (65 kg) and middleweight (78 kg) categories during the 1992 Summer Olympics. Lastly, John Murdoch Murdoch, an Australian business magnate, is the co-CEO of News Corp and executive chairman of Fox Corporation. He is the great-grandson of media mogul Rupert Murdoch and is known for his extensive contributions to the global media landscape.

Genealogical research on the last name Muray

The surname Muray, variants include Moray and Murray, originates from Scotland. The earliest recorded spelling appears to be "de Moravia" around the 12th century, which later evolved into 'de Moravia' (from Moravia), then to 'de Moray', eventually becoming 'Murray'. The name is believed to have derived from a place in Fife, Scotland, known as Murraia or Murrary, which translates to "sea of marshes" in Old Norse. The Clan Murray, one of the Highland clans, emerged during the Middle Ages and played significant roles throughout Scottish history. Notable members include James I of Scotland (James VI of England), a key figure in the unification of the Kingdoms of Scotland and England, and John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, who served as the last British Royal Governor of Virginia. The name Muray is also found in Ireland, where it was often anglicized from Gaelic O Muraigh sept or Clann Mhuradha, and may have been introduced by Scottish settlers or Norman invaders.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 : 11 June 2025

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