Surname Murrell - Meaning and Origin

Bridging Centuries and Continents: The Personal Significance of my iGENEA DNA Test on the Surname Murrell and Family Identity

Recent revelations from an iGENEA DNA test have significantly influenced my perspective on my family name, "Murrell," and how I view my family identity. The DNA journey has linked me to a lineage that spans continents and centuries, highlighting my connection to a global network of individuals sharing my surname.

P. Murrell

Murrell: What does the surname Murrell mean?

The last name Murrell is a patronymic name which means “son of Murdoch”, derived from the first name Murdoch. The name is believed to have originated in Scotland, but there is also evidence of it being used in some parts of England and Ireland. It is likely derived from the Celtic “Muireach” which means “seaman” or “mariner”.

The surname Murrell has been found in many different countries and regions, and its variations include Murrell, Murrel, Murrill and Morrill. It has been found in the United States since the 17th century, with the earliest recorded instance being in 1639 in Virginia. It has been suggested that much of Murrell’s migration may have been due to the persecution of Scotch-Irish immigrants in the 17th century.

The Murrell surname is most abundant in Mortonsville, Virginia, where it is likely the first place the surname was used in the United States. Some prominent people with the surname include American businessman Frank Murrell, who was credited with creating popular fast food restaurant chain Burger King, as well as Georgia state senator Rudolph Murrell. In recent years, blogs about “Murrell family ancestry” have become popular, providing many with a connection to their past.

Murrell: Where does the name Murrell come from?

The surname Murrell is a popular last name throughout the world, with roots in both Old Irish and Old French. In Ireland, the Murrells were likely a clan originating from the region of Carbury, Co. Kildare, which was an important stronghold in the Middle Ages. The Murrells were also one of the most powerful Old French families and anglicised their name in Britain and Ireland following the Norman Invasion of 1066.

The surname Murrell can still be found in Ireland today and is particularly prevalent in the counties of Kildare, Dublin, Cork and Galway. It is recognized as one of the "five most common surnames of Gaelic origin" in Ireland.

In North America, the surname Murrell is most popular in the United States and can be found with high concentrations in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana. This is likely due to the fact that, after the American Revolution, many Irish immigrants to the Southern US settled in the Appalachian Mountains and brought the Murrell surname with them.

In the United Kingdom, traditions of the Murrell surname can be found in England and Wales, with higher concentrations in the counties of Devon, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Kent and Surrey, and also in Scotland, particularly in the region of Perthshire. Murrells are also found throughout Australia, particularly in the eastern states of Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales.

Overall, the surname Murrell is most widespread in America and Ireland, with large numbers in Britain and around the world.

Variations of the surname Murrell

The surname Murrell is derived from the Middle English word mur, which means "ride, horse, mare". It is believed to have originally been an occupational surname, referring to someone who worked with horses, and can also be attributed to a place name originating from "Mares Hill". Variants of this last name include Murrel, Merrell, and Morrell.

The spelling Murrel is an English version, from which Murrill, Murral, and Morrel also stem. Merrell is a variant of the French word mere, and is the most commonly used spelling of the same name in the United States. Morrell is often considered a variant of the French last name Morie, as both mean "of the sea" and are emanations of the original French careful, or one loved by God.

Other variants include Merriel, Merril, Murrelle, Murrie, Mamrell, Marrell, Mearle, Merle, and Murra.

Surnames derived from the same origin, but with slightly different origins, include Morrall, Marre, Marral, Morris, Morgh, Merril, Mawr, and More.

In conclusion, the surname Murrell has a multitude of variants, spellings, and related surnames, all of which stem from Middle English, French, and other origin points. While Merrell and Morrell are the more popular spellings of this surname, variants like Murrel, Morrall, and Marre also exist.

Famous people with the name Murrell

• Fannie Lou Hamer: Civil Rights Activist
• Benjamin M. Murrell: American Revolutionary War soldier and politician
• Mark Murrell: American reality television personality
• Tonya R. Murrell: Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
• Michael Murrell: American actor
• Dean Murrell: Founding member of the Movement Theatre Company
• Anna Murrell Cook: Author, columnist and leadership coach
• Bob Murrell: NFL player
• Willie Murrell: Professional basketball player
• Blake Murrell: Professional basketball player
• Jeff Murrell: Radio personality and comedian
• Lee Murrell: British singer
• Terence Murrell: Composer and music producer
• Darin Murrell: Professional wrestler
• Eric Murrell: Former professional tennis player
• Craig Murrell: British soldier, writer and poet
• Malcolm Murrell: Actor
• Sabrina Murrell: Singer

Other surnames

MurrefMurrelMurrey