Surname Murdick - Meaning and Origin
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Murdick: What does the surname Murdick mean?
The surname Murdick is an English occupational family name. It is thought to have derived from the old English word murða, meaning "murder." It was first used as an occupational name for someone who was a person charged with murder or who was an executioner. In medieval times a professional executioner was referred to as "Murdoch" or "Murdicks." The name is also thought to be derived from the Old English word muða, meaning "nightwatchman."
The Murdick family name can be found primarily in England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as in other parts of the British Isles. The earliest records of the name appear during the fifteenth century in Normandy, France. The name became relatively widespread by the seventeenth century and can also be found in Australia, New Zealand, and some areas of the United States.
The Murdicks are believed to have been a proud and distinguished family who have held prominent roles in society, from religious orders to political and military leaders. The family has accumulated many records over the years, including several mentions in notable historical documents.
The Murdick surname is a reminder of the history and heritage of the family and the contributions of its members throughout the centuries. It serves as an integral part of their identity and legacy, and one that will continue to be carried on for generations to come.
Order DNA origin analysisMurdick: Where does the name Murdick come from?
The surname Murdick is a relatively uncommon surname today, with most occurrences found in the United States. Records indicate that the Murdick family was first established in America in the early 18th century, when several members of the Murdick family arrived in the colonies.
Today, the Murdick surname is mainly concentrated in the Northeast and Midwestern states of the US. The largest cluster of people with the surname Murdick can be found in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Other smaller clusters of Murdicks can be found in New York, Illinois, and Indiana. Additionally, the Murdick surname has spread to other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
The Murdick surname has its origins in Northern England and Scotland, as well as Germany. The surname most likely comes from an old German given name, “Murteico.” The surname is also an Anglicized form of “Murdock,” or “Morderick,” which comes from the Gaelic personal name “Murtoth.”
Overall, the Murdick surname is not a popular surname today, although it was more prevalent in the past. Those who possess the surname today likely descend from the original American Murdick family.
Variations of the surname Murdick
The Murdick surname is most commonly traced back to the Middle English word "murderous" or the Old French "mordre" both meaning "to kill". Spellings of Murdick vary greatly depending on the specific origin of the family using the name. Variations include Murdick, Murdo, Murduck, Murtdock, Mirdock, Murdagh, Murdough, Murtaugh, Mardix, Mirdak, Mirdek, Murdis, Murdyck, Murducky and Murdyke.
The Murdick name is very common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, though it is also found in Scotland, Ireland, surfacing in the 16th century. It is believed that the first instances of the name came about through people taking on a distinctive surname that was related to the profession they practiced.
In Scotland, Murdick is often a variant of the more common names Murdo and Murdoch, both likely coming from the old Gaelic personal name "Muireadhach". The Gaelic Mac Somhairle, meaning "son of Somerled", can often be found as a surname variant.
In Ireland, it is likely from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Mhuire, meaning "son of a devotee of Mary".
In the United States, Murdick is not as common today as it had been in the past. Among German-speaking countries, the surname Mertzick is believed to be a variant of Murdick. In eastern Europe, variants Murdyck and Murdyke are fairly common.
No matter the specific origin of the name or its various spellings, the Murdick surname is believed to be an Anglicization of an old surname of Middle English, French, Gaelic, and Slavic origins.
Famous people with the name Murdick
- Robert Murdick: Professional American soccer player.
- Mark Murdick: Lead artist at Comic Book Resources.
- Bob Murdick: American veteran and political candidate.
- Bill Murdick: Former AFL offensive lineman and current football coach.
- Joe Murdick: Former NFL wide receiver.
- Ruth Murdick: American author, lecturer, and teacher.
- Jeffrey Murdick: Former professional tennis player.
- Edward Murdick: Civil war relic collector, author, and lecturer.
- Mike Murdick: Baseball outfielder.
- Shelia Murdick: American figure skater.
- Teddy Murdick: Former professional ice hockey player.
- Matt Murdick: Professional American bull rider.
- Jack Murdick: Minor League baseball catcher.
- Michelle Murdick: Political candidate and lawyer.
- Bill Murdick Jr.: Basketball coach, athlete, and blogger.
- Chris Murdick: Racecar driver.
- John Murdick: Former professional boxer.
- Gary Murdick: Professional American football coach.
- Everett Murdick: Professional baseball player.
- Frank Murdick: Former Irish footballer.