Murrray History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The surname Murrray comes from the place name Murroes or Muirhouse, of which there is one in Angus and one in Ayrshire.

In Ireland, a Merrow, from Irish murúch, Middle Irish murdúchann or murdúchu is a mermaid or merman in Irish folklore.

Early Origins of the Murrray family

The surname Murrray was first found in the parish of Murroes in Angus (Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire. Soland de Mureus, who was recorded as a witness of a charter by Ernaldus, bishop of St. Andrews, around 1160, took his name from the town of Murroes in that parish.

Early History of the Murrray family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Murrray research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1427, 1454, 1487, 1629 and 1796 are included under the topic Early Murrray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Murrray Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Murroes, Murrows, Murrowes, Mueros, Murroe, Murrow, Mureus, Muirhouse and many more.

Early Notables of the Murrray family

More information is included under the topic Early Murrray Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Murrray family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: an unknown Muirhouse, who settled in America between 1607 and 1657. James, Jonas, and Neile Murrow were deported to Boston by Cromwell in 1651. David Murrowes settled in Virginia in 1651.

The Murrray Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Auxilio Dei
Motto Translation: By the help of God.