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
Scholar 1,887
Labourer 319
Domestic Servant 120
Agricultural Labourer 88
General Servant 87
House Keeper 80
Dress Maker 79
Coal Miner 74
Tailor 70
Hawker 67
Cotton Weaver 61
Laundress 59
Servant 54
Joiner 39
Annuitant 35
Cook 34
Charwoman 34
General Servant Domestic 33
Dock Labourer 31
Dressmaker 30
Cotton Winder 30
Engine Fitter 29
Gardener 28
Clerk 28
No Occupation 25

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