Holding steady.
Popularity of Murriel since 1892
Babies named Murriel per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1925, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Murriel's real moment was 1908.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 11 | 0 |
| 1900s | 14 | 0 |
| 1910s | 100 | 0 |
| 1920s | 171 | 47 |
| 1930s | 126 | 39 |
| 1940s | 58 | 24 |
| 1950s | 33 | 10 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Murriel is a rare feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1892. It reached its peak popularity in 1908, but never entered the top 1000 rankings. The name has remained stable but very uncommon in use through the latest year of data, 2025. As an Irish variant of Muriel, it carries the evocative meaning of 'bright sea,' though its spelling distinguishes it from the more common form. While no top states are associated with its usage, the name reflects a traditional Celtic heritage.
Murriel is likely a variant of the Irish name Muriel, which itself derives from the Old Irish Muirgel, composed of muir 'sea' and gel 'bright'. The name was historically used in Ireland and Scotland, though its spelling Murriel is a less common variant. It saw modest use in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly around the 1900s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mur, Murry, Elle
Sibling names for Murriel
Names that share Murriel's style, for a brother or sister.
