Muir (surname)

Muir is a Scottish surname with several possible origins. It is often topographical, derived from the Gaelic word muir, meaning "moor" or "moorland." As such, it would have been used to denote someone who lived on or near a moor.

Alternatively, it can be a habitational name from places named Muir, such as Muir in Ayrshire. These place names are also derived from the Gaelic word for moor.

The name is commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the Ayrshire region. It has also spread to other parts of the world due to emigration, most notably to North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations of the surname include Mure, Moor, and Moore (though Moore can also have English origins).

Notable people with the surname Muir include:

• John Muir (1838-1914): A Scottish-American naturalist, writer, environmental philosopher, botanist, zoologist, glaciologist and early advocate of the preservation of wilderness in the United States.

• Edwin Muir (1887-1959): A Scottish poet, novelist and translator.

• Frank Muir (1920-1998): A British comedy writer and broadcaster.