An English and Irish surname of Murray comes from the Old Celtic term of 'moray' which refers to the sea and a settlement by the sea. The Irish Gaelic name was Ó Muireadhaigh which meant a descendant of Muireadhach. Later Irish versions were McMurrary, Mac Giolla Mhuire and Mac Iimurrary.

Spelling forms for Murray include Murrey, Murry, Morry, Morrey, Morry, Moray and Morey.

In northern England, especially around Lancashire, Northumberland and Cumberland are the most families with the surname of Murray. The groupings of Murray families cover from the southern to northern regions of Scotland, overall a common surname. Those with the highest numbers are Lanarkshire, Ross-Cromarty, Aberdeenshire and Ayrshire counties. The nation of Ireland has a high population with the Murray surname.

Many Scottish Murray families immigrated to Canada in the 19th century. In Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey are the most individuals with the surname of Murray in the United States. Many were Scottish immigrates of the late 1800s and early 1900s to America.

Famous: Alexander Hunter Murray (19th century fur trader and artist in America and Canada), Anne Murray (singer from Canada), Arthur Murray (dance instructor), Eddie Murray (professional football player), Eustace S. G. Murray (19th century British journalist), Jennifer Murray (English helicopter pilot who first circumnavigated around the world), Lindley Murray (professional tennis player), Ruby Murray (singer from Northern Ireland) and Tracy Murray (professional basketball player).