Muriel

Muriel is a feminine given name of Celtic origin that has been used in English-speaking countries since at least the 19th century. It is commonly linked to Irish forms such as Muireall or Muirgheal, traditionally interpreted as meaning “sea-bright” or “bright sea.” The name has medieval roots but achieved broader popularity in modern times through literature and culture.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries Muriel enjoyed rising usage in English-speaking societies, and it remains a recognizable classic given name. Notable people with the name include Muriel Spark, the Scottish novelist known for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, and Muriel Bowser, the American politician serving as mayor of Washington, D.C. The name has also appeared in various cultural works and media, reflecting its enduring presence in Anglophone culture.

In popular culture, Muriel is used for fictional characters in novels, television, and film. A widely recognized example outside of biographies is the 1994 Australian film Muriel’s Wedding, which centers on a character named Muriel Heslop and contributed to renewed attention to the name in the 1990s. The name Muriel continues to be encountered in contemporary naming practices, standing as a traditional option with Celtic roots and enduring cultural associations.