Surname Murrel - Meaning and Origin

Murrel: What does the surname Murrel mean?

The last name Murrel is of English origin. It is a variant spelling of the name Murrell, which is an occupational name derived from the Old English word for sea-shore 'mor', or 'mar'. This refers to someone who lived by a sea-shore or a marshland, most likely an early fisherman.

The various spellings of this last name include Murrell, Murill, Muriel, Murrill, Morrel, Murrill, Merrill, and the more Anglicized forms of Merrel, Merill, Merel, Murrey, Murry, and Murry.

The Murrel name is also common in Ireland. It is derived from the Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Mooradhail, which is derived from the Irish root word ‘mor’ or ‘moo’, which refer to a great hill or sea coast region.

Murrel is a surname of many distinct origins. Throughout centuries, numerous families bearing this name have been recorded in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and even America. In the United States, the Murrel spelling is most commonly found in the southern parts of the country.

As an occupational name, the surname Murrel implies the ancestor was a contractor of the sea shore or of marshland and likely skilled in fishing. It also implies they were related to those who lived in the area. Even today, the people bearing this surname carry on traditions of seafaring and fishing.

Murrel: Where does the name Murrel come from?

The last name Murrel is most common today in various countries all over the world. In the United Kingdom, it is particularly popular in Scotland and South West England, with the majority of the population found in small villages and towns. In France the name is most concentrated in the southwest of the country, although it is spreading throughout the rest of the nation. In the United States, Murrel is most common in Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina. It is also found in concentrations throughout the Mid-West and California. The name is also present in other parts of the world such as India, Ireland, Canada and Australia.

The Murrel name is often held with great pride, as it is an old-fashioned and traditional name that can be traced back centuries. The origins of the name can be found in many different places and dates, ranging from the 12th century in Scotland to 19th century France, the Netherlands and Ireland. The name is generally understood to derive from a Celtic term meaning 'sea-dweller', which could be indicative of ancient sea-travelling ancestors.

The name is also associated with some famous people throughout the centuries, including Nathaniel Frederick Murrel (1760 - 1861) an influential lawyer, politician and general in the American Revolution. In the arts world, there are many examples of Murrels, including the English painter and journal-writer John Murrel (1721 - 1762), and the French sculptor, Louis-Ernest Murrel (1814 - 1870).

Variations of the surname Murrel

The surname Murrel has several variants, spellings, and surnames with the same origin. Murrel is derived from the French term "murel" which is a diminutive of the male given name Jourdain. Murrel is the original spelling of this surname, however, some variants include Murrell, Murrill, Merrell, Merril, Merill, and Merell.

In England, the family can be descended from the ancient Norman family of Jourdain from which the surname of Merrielle also comes. The spelling of this family name evolved to Merriel and then to Murrel. In Scotland, the Murrels were a branch of the Clan MacFarlane from whom the Murrell sept derived.

In Ireland, the Murrell surname may be a variation of the MacAvor, McAvar, McAver, and MacAver family names. The Murrell name is also seen among the Scotch Irish in Ulster. Some other Irish variations include Morrow, Murrow, and Murri.

In Canada, the surname Murrel is largely concentrated in Nova Scotia and is derived from the Irish Murreys who emigrated to the region in the late nineteenth century. Some variants of this surname in Canada include Murry, Morrel, and Morrell.

The variations of the surname Murrel are numerous and can be found in many countries around the world. No matter the variation, the origin of this surname is the same and provides a unique opportunity to trace the family's rich and varied history.

Famous people with the name Murrel

• Luke Murrell: Actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur.
• Ruby Murrell: Professional football player.
• Kevin Murrell: Professional bodybuilder.
• Melissa Murrell: Actress and model.
• Ed Murrell: Former NFL player.
• Shellie Murrell: Famous luthier, singer, and songwriter.
• Daniel Murrell: Award-winning professional theatre director.
• Stacey Murrell: Contemporary Christian music artist and worship leader.
• Charley Murrell: Professional Basketball Player.
• Charlie Murrell: Stand-up comic and star of “Murrell’s Moss”.
• Aron Murrell: British artist and sculptor.
• Keith Murrell: Professional boxer and world title contender.
• Wiliam Murrell: Popular American musician and multi-instrumentalist.
• Christopher Murrell: Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer.
• Kenneth Murrell: Professional pianist and jazz musician.
• Steven Murrell: Award-winning special effects artist and 3D animator.
• Greg Murrell: Award-winning filmmaker and television director.
• Chuck Murrell: American punk rock musician.
• Maia Murrell: Choir director, vocalist, and songwriter.
• Renee Murrell: Gospel singer, songwriter, and vocal coach.

Other surnames

MurrefMurrellMurrey