Muriel
English · Girl · 2 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name Muriel
Muriel derives from the Irish name Muirgheal, combining "muir" (sea) and "gheal" (bright), meaning "bright sea" or "of the bright sea." The name has been used primarily in English-speaking countries, particularly Ireland, Scotland, and Britain, with notable bearers including the 20th-century Irish writer Muriel Spark and actress Muriel Pavlow.
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Etymology
Muriel derives from the Irish name Muirgheal, combining "muir" (sea) and "gheal" (bright), meaning "bright sea" or "of the bright sea." The name has been used primarily in English-speaking countries, particularly Ireland, Scotland, and Britain, with notable bearers including the 20th-century Irish writer Muriel Spark and actress Muriel Pavlow.
Muriel currently ranks #4,430 in the United States as a girl's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1922.
Variants & nicknames
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Sibling name ideas
English, French, Irish, Scottish, Medieval Breton (Anglicized) names that sit beautifully beside MurielSimilar names you might like
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