Murray (surname)

Murray ( listen ) is both a Scottish and an Irish surname with two distinct respective etymologies. The Scottish version is a common variation of the word Moray, an anglicisation of the Medieval Gaelic word Muireb (or Moreb); the b here was pronounced as v, hence the Latinization to Moravia. These names denote the district on the south shore of the Moray Firth, in Scotland. Murray is a direct transliteration of how Scottish people pronounce the word Moray. The Murray spelling is not used for the geographical area, which is Moray, but it became the commonest form of the surname, especially among Scottish emigrants, to the extent that the surname Murray is now much more common than the original surname Moray. See also Clan Murray.

The Irish version derives from Ó Muireadhaigh. However, there were many Scottish Murray immigrants into Ireland during the Middle Ages and so a Murray of Irish heritage today could be descended from either source of the name.

A considerable number of present bearers of this surname are of Scottish origin, especially in Ulster. Possible etymologies are:

The motto for Murray is "Imperio". "Murrays" trace their heritage back to the 12th century and take their name from the great province of Moray, once a local kingdom.

It was during this time that the Flemish lords crossed the North Sea and established themselves in the Scottish realm. Among them was Freskin.

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