Murray Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Murray Name Meaning: Scottish regional name from Moray, using Old Celtic words meaning 'sea' & 'settlement'

The Murray history begins in the ancient tribe of the Picts, seated in Moray from early times. They appeared on census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain for taxation purposes.

Discover how your Murray ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Murray Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Murray family

Profession Census Frequency
School 2,147
Private Means 208
Labourer 200
General Labourer 178
Coal Miner Hewer 146
Dock Labourer 119
None 103
Clerk 95
Dressmaker 93
Domestic Servant 88
General Servant (domestic) 84
At School 73
Cotton Weaver 70
Housekeeper 64
At Home 63
Student 55
Shop Assistant 54
Charwoman 52
Soldier 52
Scholar 51
Farm Labourer 49
House Keeper 44
Weaver 43
General Servant Domestic 42
No Occupation 41

Murray Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Murray 100% 102,426
2 Merry 67% 14,972
3 Murry 83% 9,114
4 Murrey 83% 8,391
5 Morrey 67% 5,443
6 Morry 67% 1,277
7 Marry 67% 1,142
8 Marray 83% 961
9 Marrey 67% 909
10 Muray 83% 438
11 Morray 83% 397
12 Merrey 67% 386
13 Murroy 83% 198
14 Merray 83% 121

Did you know?

The surname Murray is the most popular version of all its varients

Search for the Murray family