Origin and Meaning of Muriel
Meaning & Origin
Bright Sea or Sparkling Sea
Origin: Irish - Derived from the Old Irish name Muireall, combining 'muir', meaning 'sea', and 'geal', meaning 'bright' or 'shining'.
Interesting Facts
- Muriel was relatively common in the early to mid-20th century and is associated with a sense of classic charm.
- The name has variations across cultures such as 'Mireille' in French and 'Murielle', which evokes a similar marine-themed meaning.
- Notable bearers of the name include Muriel Spark, a Scottish novelist known for her work 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie'.
- In the United States, Muriel saw its peak popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, gradually declining in use since then.
- Related names include Muirgen, which is a lesser-known Irish name that also incorporates 'muir' (sea).