A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Muriel since 1880
Babies named Muriel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 248 |
| 1890s | 1,062 |
| 1900s | 2,257 |
| 1910s | 11,701 |
| 1920s | 20,481 |
| 1930s | 8,656 |
| 1940s | 4,666 |
| 1950s | 2,571 |
| 1960s | 1,265 |
| 1970s | 498 |
| 1980s | 433 |
| 1990s | 360 |
| 2000s | 298 |
| 2010s | 218 |
| 2020s | 170 |
Meaning & origin
Muriel is a classic Irish name with a lyrical meaning of "bright sea." It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880, and reached its peak popularity in 1922, ranking among the top 500 names for girls at that time. After declining in use through the late 20th century, the name has been rising again since 2012, attracting parents drawn to vintage, gently styled names. In 2025, it was given to roughly 1 in 50,227 newborns, with the most frequent usage in Texas. Its revival reflects a broader trend of early 20th century names returning to favor, and Muriel's soft sound and historical roots make it a distinctive choice for families seeking something traditional yet underused.
Muriel is an anglicized form of the Irish name Muirgel, composed of 'muir' (sea) and 'geil' (bright). It was borne by an early Irish saint, a 7th-century abbess, and was common in medieval Scotland and Ireland. The name fell out of general use by the late 20th century but has seen a modest revival in the 21st, particularly in the United States.
Where Muriel is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Muriel” around the world
Where Muriel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Muri, Mura, Elle
Variants: Muirgel, Murielle
Sibling names for Muriel
Names that share Muriel's style, for a brother or sister.
