Surname McMurray - Meaning and Origin

McMurray: What does the surname McMurray mean?

The surname McMurray is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name "Mac Muireadhaigh," which means "son of Muireadhach." The name Muireadhach means a "sea warrior" or "lord"; hence, McMurray is often interpreted to mean "son of the sea warrior." The name possibly originates from a group of ancient people in Scotland who were known for their maritime warfare. These names were often created based on occupational or geographical characteristics, but also could be descriptive or based on a nickname. As a result, individuals carrying this surname could be descendants of a historic seafaring clan or family. Like many other Scottish surnames, it became more widespread following the Norman Conquest in the Middle Ages, spreading to Ireland and Britain. Today, it's found in numerous countries worldwide as a result of migration.

McMurray: Where does the name McMurray come from?

The last name McMurray is most commonly found in Scotland and Ireland today. The name is derived from the Gaelic Mac Muireadhaigh, which meant "son of Muireadhach". This clan name was first found in the Argyll and Bute region in western Scotland. It is thought to have originated in the Irish province of Ulster in the 13th century.

McMurray is also found throughout the United Kingdom, as well as in the United States and Canada. The name arrived in North America in the late 1700s, with many of its earliest immigrants settling in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and coastal states of the New England region.

The McMurray name is particularly common today in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and the United States. There are currently more than 8,000 people with the last name McMurray living in the United States alone, and nearly 3,000 people with the name living in England. The surnames is most heavily concentrated in the state of Pennsylvania, where more than 500 people share the name, followed by Michigan, New York, North Carolina, and Texas.

It is also common in Scotland, with the name making up nearly 17,000 people in Scotland alone. People with the last name McMurray are most heavily concentrated in the City of Glasgow, followed by Dundee and Aberdeen.

Overall, McMurray is a popular Scottish and Irish last name, and can be found all over the world today. It is especially common in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Variations of the surname McMurray

The surname McMurray is derived from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic Mac Muireadhaigh, which translates to "Son of Muireadhaigh." Variants and spellings of the surname range from MacMurry, MacMurrey, MacMurrie, Makmurray, Makmurrie, MacMureay, MacMuray, Makmurry, Macmurey, Macmuree, Macmmurray, Macmuireay, and Mcmurray.

In Scotland, a commonly found variant of the surname is Murry. Though a variant, it is ultimately derived from the same source as McMurray. Another variation commonly found in Scotland is MacAdie, an Anglicized form of Mac Muireadhaigh.

In Ireland, MacMuireaghan is a common variant of McMurray. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic Muireagain or Muireagán. MacAdoo is an alternate spelling.

In the United States, McMurray is sometimes adapted to form alternate spellings, such as McMorray or McMurry. These changes occur as phonetic adaptations, as the English language is not as readily familiar with the Gaelic roots of the surname.

In England, McMurray is sometimes found spelled as McMurry. The primary difference between the two is the use of the letter "M" over the letter "R".

In Canada, McMurray is commonly found adapted to McMorray. MacMorrie is an alternate spelling encountered in this area.

Overall, no matter the country of origin or adaptation, the surname McMurray ultimately originates from the same root source: Mac Muireadhaigh, meaning “son of Muireadhaigh.”

Famous people with the name McMurray

• Melissa McMurray: actress
• Laura McMurray: singer
• Adam McMurray: comedian and actor
• Amy McMurray: dancer and singer
• Dennis McMurray: actor
• Charles McMurray: footballer
• Josh McMurray: actor
• Dave McMurray: jazz musician
• Cam McMurray: ice hockey player
• Jennifer McMurray: TV presenter
• Chris McMurray: bassist
• Dan McMurray: comedian
• Johnny McMurray: singer/songwriter
• Jan McMurray: actor, model and activist
• Brian Mcmurray: rugby union player

Other surnames

McmurreyMcmurry