Muriel
Muriel is an girl name of Irish Gaelic, via Norman French origin, meaning “Bright sea”.
| Meaning | Bright sea |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Irish Gaelic, via Norman French |
| Pronunciation | MYOOR-ee-ul |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic, Christian |
| Used in | United Kingdom, Ireland, France |
Meaning and origin of Muriel
Muriel comes from the Gaelic name Muirgel, built from muir, 'sea', and geal, 'bright, white', so it is usually explained as 'bright sea'. The name passed into Norman and medieval English use and was revived in Victorian England, peaking in the early twentieth century. Notable bearers include the novelist Muriel Spark, author of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Is Muriel a religious name?
Muriel has Celtic roots and no specific religious meaning. It has been used by Christian families in Britain and Ireland for centuries, but it is not a saint's or biblical name.
How popular is Muriel?
Most popular in the early 1900s in Britain and the United States; uncommon for babies today.
Gifts with the name Muriel
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Spellings and variants of Muriel
Names similar to Muriel
More girl names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Muriel mean?
Muriel means 'Bright sea'. It is of Irish Gaelic, via Norman French origin.
Does Muriel have a religious meaning?
Muriel has Celtic roots and no specific religious meaning. It has been used by Christian families in Britain and Ireland for centuries, but it is not a saint's or biblical name.
How do you pronounce Muriel?
Muriel is pronounced MYOOR-ee-ul.
Is Muriel a boy or girl name?
Muriel is usually a girl name.