What does Murriel mean and where does it come from?
Murriel is a variation of the name 'Muriel', which has Irish origins. The name first appeared in mediaeval Ireland and gained popularity in the early 20th century. Notable people with this name include Muriel Spark, a Scottish novelist known for her work 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie'.
Cultural significance
Murriel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bright sea; sparkling sea..
Peak popularity
Reached #1596 in 1925 — currently #845 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Murriel?
Murriel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Murriel Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Murriel Rose
Floral · soft ending
Murriel Mae
Sweet · timeless
Murriel Claire
French influence · crisp
Murriel Jane
Literary · strong
Murriel Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Murriel right now?
Holding steady — currently #845 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #845 | 1,355 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #850 | 1,335 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #855 | 1,305 | ▲ up 4445 · +21650% births |
| 1955 | #5300 | 6 | ▼ down 898 · -14% births |
| 1950 | #4402 | 7 | ▼ down 808 |
| 1940 | #3594 | 7 | ▼ down 1348 · -50% births |
| 1935 | #2246 | 14 | ▼ down 194 · -18% births |
| 1930 | #2052 | 17 | ▼ down 456 · -39% births |
| 1925 | #1596 | 28 | ▲ up 911 · +100% births |
| 1920 | #2507 | 14 | ▼ down 306 |
| 1915 | #2201 | 14 | ▼ down 167 · +100% births |
| 1910 | #2034 | 7 | — |
The story of Murriel
Murriel has been a beloved American name for over 132 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1892. With 633 total births recorded, Murriel remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2034 in 1910 to #845 in 2023. Murriel is used for both genders: 81% female and 19% male.
Names that peaked alongside Murriel in 1925:
Murriel by decade
Murriel peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 11 | |
| 1900s | 14 | |
| 1910s | 100 | |
| 1920s ★ | 218 | |
| 1930s | 165 | |
| 1940s | 82 | |
| 1950s | 43 | |
💎Murriel has only 633 total recorded births since 1892 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Murriel?
What names sound and feel like Murriel?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Murriel also consider these
Common questions about the name Murriel
What does the name Murriel mean?
Murriel means "Bright sea; sparkling sea." — a name rooted in American 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 Murriel?
Murriel is currently ranked #845 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Murriel?
Murriel originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Murriel a common or rare name?
Murriel is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Murriel more of a girl or boy name?
Murriel is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.