All about the name MURRAY

Meaning, origin, history.

Murray is a Scottish surname and given name of Norman origin. It is derived from the Old French word "morel," which means "dark" or "swarthy." The name was originally used as a nickname for someone with dark hair or complexion.

The surname Murray is believed to have originated in Scotland, where it was introduced by the Normans who settled there after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The first recorded use of the name Murray in Scotland is from the 12th century, when a Walter de Moravia was listed as a landowner in Ayrshire.

The Murray clan played an important role in Scottish history and were closely associated with the Scottish monarchy. They were granted the title of Earl of Bothwell in 1405 and became one of the most powerful families in Scotland. The Murray family also produced several notable figures, including John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl, who was a prominent supporter of Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite uprising.

The name Murray has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages but it did not become popular until the 19th century. It is now widely used around the world and is considered to be a classic Scottish name. Some famous people with the name Murray include the Australian cricketer David Murray, the American actor Bill Murray, and the Canadian singer Michael Murray, better known by his stage name Drake.

In summary, Murray is a Scottish surname and given name of Norman origin that means "dark" or "swarthy." It has a long history in Scotland and was once associated with one of the most powerful families in the country. Today, it is widely used as both a first and last name around the world.