Find out how popular the first name Murdock has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Murdock by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Murdock is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Murdock.

The history of the first name Murdock

The name Murdock has its origins in the Scottish Gaelic language, derived from the elements "muir" meaning "sea" and "doc" meaning "black." It is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, around the 12th to 15th centuries, and was likely used as a descriptive surname for someone who lived near the sea or had a dark complexion.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Murdock can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a Chronicle of Medieval Irish history, where it appears as the name of a Scottish nobleman in the late 12th century. The name also appears in various Scottish historical records and charters from the 13th and 14th centuries, indicating its use among the Scottish nobility and landowners.

In the 16th century, the name gained prominence with Murdoch Cameron, a Scottish soldier and clan chief who fought in the Battle of Pinkie in 1547 against the English forces. Another notable bearer of the name was Murdoch Mackenzie, a Scottish politician and Lord Chancellor of Scotland, who lived from 1609 to 1688.

Moving into the 17th century, Murdock Cuilean was a Scottish warrior and chieftain of the Clan MacLean, who played a significant role in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms from 1639 to 1651. In the 18th century, Murdoch Maclaine was a Scottish poet and author, known for his works such as "The Highlander" and "The Muir."

In the 19th century, Murdock Cameron was a Scottish inventor and engineer, credited with developing the first practical miners' safety lamp in 1815, which helped prevent explosions in coal mines. Another notable figure was Murdoch MacDonald, a Scottish author and journalist who lived from 1824 to 1900 and wrote extensively on Scottish history and culture.

As the name Murdock spread beyond Scotland, it gained recognition in other parts of the world. One prominent bearer was Murdock Head, an American baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball from 1901 to 1912 and was a member of the Boston Americans (later known as the Boston Red Sox).

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Murdock was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Murdock, please contact us.

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