Muriel is a feminine given name of Irish origin. It derives from the Gaelic name Muirgheal, which is composed of the elements muir meaning "sea" and geal meaning "bright," "shining," or "white." Thus, the name Muriel can be interpreted to mean "bright sea" or "shining sea."
The name was popularized in the Middle Ages, particularly in Scotland and Ireland, and was adopted by the Normans. It was also associated with the French surname Morel.
While Muriel was a relatively common name in the early 20th century, its popularity has declined in recent decades.
Notable people with the name Muriel:
- Muriel Spark, a Scottish novelist and short story writer.
- Muriel Humphrey Brown, a former Second Lady of the United States and U.S. Senator from Minnesota.
- Muriel Box, a British film director and screenwriter.
The name Muriel can also appear as a character name in literature, film, and television.