Name meaning & originMurray
/MUH-ree/
Murray is a Scottish boy's name pronounced /MUH-ree/. A distinguished name derived from the coastal region of Moray.
Share this name
Meaning of Murray
A distinguished name derived from the coastal region of Moray.
The name Murray is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Moireabh', meaning 'seaboard settlement' or 'beside the sea'. It originates from the coastal region of Moray in northeast Scotland, historically associated with the powerful Clan Murray.
- Origin
- Scottish
- Pronunciation
- /MUH-ree/
Cultural background
While primarily recognized as a prominent Scottish surname, Murray is a well-established masculine given name across Scotland, Canada, and Australia. It carries a traditional, rugged professional image.
Variations & nicknames
- Moray
- Murray
- Murrie
- Murry
- Muzza
Famous people named Murray
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Murray Walker
Legendary Formula One motorsport commentator and journalist.
Sport · 1940s–2021
Murray Gell-Mann
Nobel Prize-winning physicist who proposed the quark model.
Science · 1950s–2019
Murray Perahia
Renowned American concert pianist and conductor.
Music · 1970s–present
Murray Cook
Founding member of the children's entertainment group The Wiggles.
Music · 1990s–present
Murray Gold
Five-time BAFTA nominated composer, best known for Doctor Who.
Music · 2000s–present
Murray Bartlett
Award-winning actor known for his roles in The White Lotus and The Last of Us.
Film · 1980s–present
Frequently asked about Murray
- What does Murray mean?
- Murray means 'settlement by the sea' or 'seaboard settlement', originating from the Moray region of Scotland.
- How do you pronounce Murray?
- It is typically pronounced 'MUH-ree' (rhyming with hurry) in the UK and Australia, or 'MUR-ee' in North America.
- Is Murray a boy or girl name?
- Murray is traditionally used as a masculine given name.
- Is Murray a common name in Scotland?
- Yes, it is a classic Scottish name with deep roots in the Clan Murray and the geographic region of Moray.
Love Murray? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh Scottish names each week — free, no spam.
By signing up you agree to get these name emails. We use your email only for them; unsubscribe any time from privacy requests. See our privacy policy. 18+ only.
Compare Murray with…
Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.
Keep browsing
More Scottish names
See all Scottish names- Blair/BLAIR/
This name literally translates to 'plain', 'field', or 'battlefield'.
- Campbell/KAM-bel/
This name literally translates to crooked mouth.
- Isla/EYE-la/
The name literally refers to the 'Island' or specifically the River Isla in Scotland.
- Ian/EE-un/
The name Ian carries the graceful meaning of God is gracious.
- Rhona/ROH-nuh/
A name likely derived from the rugged island of North Rona, meaning rough isle.
- Greig/GREG/
A strong traditional name meaning watchful and alert.
- Paisley/PAYZ-lee/
A name referring to a church or a place of worship.