Muriel is a unique and distinctive female given name of French origin. Its meaning is associated with the sea, as it is derived from the Breton word "mor" which means "sea". This name has been popular among French-speaking populations for centuries and has since gained recognition worldwide.
The name Muriel first appeared in literary works during the Middle Ages in France. It was often used to describe characters who were connected to the sea or had a strong connection to nature. Over time, the name began to be used as a given name for girls, particularly in French-speaking regions.
One of the most notable figures associated with the name Muriel is Muriel Spark, a Scottish novelist and poet who won the prestigious James Tait Black Memorial Prize for her novel "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie". Her use of the name has contributed to its popularity in English-speaking countries.
Today, Muriel remains a relatively rare but beautiful name choice for girls. Its unique sound and meaningful association with the sea make it an appealing option for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich history.
The name Muriel experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, with a peak of 695 births in 1912. However, its usage began to decline rapidly thereafter, dropping to just 16 births in 2012 and hovering around that level since then. Overall, there were a total of 54,802 births named Muriel from 1880 to 2023.