Murdocke

Murdocke is a surname that appears in English-language records. It is typically considered a variant of the surnames Murdoch or Murdock, and is among the less common spellings found in modern usage.

Etymology: The name is usually linked to the given name Murdoch (or Murdock), which in turn derives from a Gaelic form adopted into Scots and English naming. The exact Gaelic form is debated, and the meaning is variously interpreted as relating to a personal name rather than a descriptive term.

Variants: In addition to Murdocke, related spellings include Murdoch, Murdock, Murdo, and Murdoe. Murdocke is comparatively rare today, and older records may reflect orthographic variation rather than a distinct lineage.

Distribution and records: The surname appears in Scottish and English records from the early modern period and is found among descendants of British emigrants in North America, Australia, and other former colonies. Genealogical sources typically treat Murdocke as a historical variant rather than a separate surname lineage.

See also: Murdoch (surname); Murdoch (disambiguation).