The nameMuriel
Muriel is a Celtic name of the sea. It was a top 120 American name in 1922.
- Girl's name
- Irish and Scottish
Meaning
Muriel comes from the Irish Muirgheal, from muir, "sea", and geal, "bright".
Origin
Irish and Scottish.
History
In the United States Muriel reached 112th place in 1922.
Did you know?
- Muriel Spark published The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1961.
Famous people named Muriel
- Muriel Spark, novelist
Popularity of the name Muriel
Muriel in the United States
Muriel was most popular in the United States in the 1920s, with 20,749 births over the decade, 37% of all recorded babies named Muriel. Its rise began around 1908, and it peaked in 1922. Half of all babies named Muriel in the United States were born before 1925, so it is mostly a great-grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 28 births a year on average, against 23 in the five years before.
Muriel in France
Muriel was most popular in France in the 1960s, with 30,950 births over the decade, 44% of all recorded babies named Muriel. Its rise began around 1949, and it peaked in 1964. Half of all babies named Muriel in France were born before 1966, so it is mostly a parents' generation name.
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Muriel
Names from the same generation as Muriel, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Muriel? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Muriel with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Muriel side by side with the name of your choice.
Muriel in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Muriel mean?
Muriel comes from the Irish Muirgheal, from muir, "sea", and geal, "bright".
What is the origin of the name Muriel?
Irish and Scottish.
Is Muriel a girl's or a boy's name?
Muriel is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Muriel?
In 2024, Muriel was the 3176th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 50 births.
What are the variants of the name Muriel?
Variants and related names of Muriel include Meryl and Murielle.
What are good sibling names for Muriel?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Fatou, Mona, Siobhán and Brigitte for a sister, Hakim, Ciaran, Yan and Lino for a brother.
Who are famous people named Muriel?
Muriel Spark, novelist.