Muir is a Scottish surname and given name, derived from the Gaelic word "mugh" meaning "seaboard" or "by the sea". It is often found in coastal regions of Scotland, particularly in the Western Highlands and Islands. The name has been historically associated with several notable individuals, including the Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle's wife Jane Welsh Carlyle, who was born as Jane Baillie Welsh, but commonly referred to by her middle name Muir.
The name Muir has also been used as a given name, often chosen for its unique and distinctive sound. It can be spelled in various ways, such as Muir, Muir, or Myr, with the pronunciation typically sounding like "Merr". Despite its Scottish origins, the name Muir has gained global recognition and is now found in many countries around the world.
In literature, the name Muir appears most famously in the works of Scottish poet William McGonagall. His poem "The Tay Bridge Disaster" includes the line "And when the morning sun rose o'er the hills o' Fife/It displayed a scene of ruin so awfu' to behold/The bridge had fallen, and the water wa',/In spate, and Muirs were carried doon the stream." This mention of Muirs, likely referring to people living near the river, is one of the earliest known appearances of the name in literature.
Today, Muir continues to be a unique and appealing choice for parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their child. Its Scottish heritage and association with nature make it particularly appealing to those who value these qualities in a name.
The name Muir experienced a boom with exactly seven newborns bearing this unique moniker in the year 2018 alone. However, overall, since records began, there have been only seven individuals named Muir altogether.