Muriel is a unique and distinctive female given name of French origin. Its meaning is associated with the sea, as it is derived from the Breton word "mor" which means "sea". This name has been popular among French-speaking populations for centuries and has since gained recognition worldwide.
The name Muriel first appeared in literary works during the Middle Ages in France. It was often used to describe characters who were connected to the sea or had a strong connection to nature. Over time, the name began to be used as a given name for girls, particularly in French-speaking regions.
One of the most notable figures associated with the name Muriel is Muriel Spark, a Scottish novelist and poet who won the prestigious James Tait Black Memorial Prize for her novel "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie". Her use of the name has contributed to its popularity in English-speaking countries.
Today, Muriel remains a relatively rare but beautiful name choice for girls. Its unique sound and meaningful association with the sea make it an appealing option for parents looking for a distinctive name with a rich history.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Muriel in the United States from 1880 to 2023. Over this period, there has been a significant decrease in the popularity of the name Muriel.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the name Muriel was quite popular, with over 100 births per year from 1895 onwards. The peak of popularity occurred in 1917, with 1714 births that year alone. However, starting from around the 1930s, there has been a steady decline in the number of Muriel births.
By the mid-20th century, fewer than 100 Muriels were born per year on average. In the 1970s and 1980s, this figure dropped even further, with annual totals ranging from around 30 to 60 births per year. Since the 1990s, there has been a consistent decrease in the number of Muriel births each year, with fewer than 50 births annually recorded from 1994 onwards.
As of 2022, the most recent data available shows that there were 27 births with the name Muriel in the United States. This is a significant decline compared to the peak popularity of the name over a century ago. Overall, between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 54,802 births with the name Muriel in the United States.
Despite its decline in popularity as a baby name, it is clear from these statistics that the name Muriel has a long history of use in the United States. The data also provides an interesting perspective on changing naming trends over time.