What does Murray mean and where does it come from?
Originally a surname of Scottish origin, Murray has been used as a first name in both female and male forms. The name Murray is derived from the Gaelic 'Mhoire' meaning 'sea settlement'. It gained popularity in the 20th century as a feminine name. Notable people include Murray McLauchlan, a Canadian
Cultural significance
Murray has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the land by the sea.
Peak popularity
Reached #1907 in 1904 — currently #2285 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Murray?
Murray works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Murray Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Murray Rose
Floral · soft ending
Murray Mae
Sweet · timeless
Murray Claire
French influence · crisp
Murray Jane
Literary · strong
Murray Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Murray right now?
Rising fast — up 492 spots — currently #2285 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2285 | 62 | ▲ up 492 · +32% births |
| 2022 | #2777 | 47 | ▲ up 229 · +15% births |
| 2021 | #3006 | 41 | ▲ up 9049 · +486% births |
| 2020 | #12055 | 7 | ▲ up 940 · +40% births |
| 1990 | #12995 | 5 | ▼ down 7801 · -29% births |
| 1960 | #5194 | 7 | ▼ down 812 · +40% births |
| 1940 | #4382 | 5 | ▼ down 697 · -29% births |
| 1930 | #3685 | 7 | ▼ down 306 · -22% births |
| 1925 | #3379 | 9 | ▲ up 1034 · +50% births |
| 1920 | #4413 | 6 | ▼ down 2249 |
| 1910 | #2164 | 6 | — |
The story of Murray
Murray entered American naming records in 1904 and has been in use for over 120 years. A total of 22,000 babies have received this name. Murray is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Murray in 1904:
Murray by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 203 | |
| 1890s | 298 | |
| 1900s | 527 | |
| 1910s | 3,320 | |
| 1920s ★ | 5,617 | |
| 1930s | 2,933 | |
| 1940s | 2,589 | |
| 1950s | 2,716 | |
| 1960s | 1,667 | |
| 1970s | 681 | |
| 1980s | 423 | |
| 1990s | 309 | |
| 2000s | 230 | |
| 2010s | 433 | |
| 2020s | 54 | |
What are good nicknames for Murray?
What names sound and feel like Murray?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Murray also consider these
How is Murray written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Murray
What does the name Murray mean?
Murray means "from the land by the sea" — a name rooted in United Kingdom tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Murray?
Murray is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Murray have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Murray?
Murray originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Murray?
Murray is a two-syllable name pronounced M AH1 R IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Murray trending right now?
Murray is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.