Clan Murray
Dukes of Atholl — and Jacobite generals.
Draft entry · awaiting community review
Motto
Tout prest
— Quite ready
What does the Murray name mean?
From the ancient province of Moray (Latin 'Moravia'), the name spreading from the north-east as branches established themselves across Scotland.
The history of Clan Murray
The Murrays take their name from the ancient province of Moray. From the 12th century they spread across Scotland, with the chief line eventually based at Atholl in Perthshire and elevated to the dukedom of Atholl in 1703.
Lord George Murray (1694–1760), brother of the 2nd Duke, was the principal field general of the 1745 Jacobite Rising — widely regarded as Bonnie Prince Charlie's most able commander. The strategic disagreements between Murray and the prince contributed to the disaster of Culloden.
After the rising the Murrays of Atholl recovered their position, and Blair Castle remains the seat of the dukes — the only private subject in Britain still entitled to maintain a private army (the Atholl Highlanders, by leave of Queen Victoria).
Notable bearers of the Murray name
- Lord George Murray, Jacobite general
Frequently asked
What does the surname Murray mean?
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Editor notes
- · Verify Atholl Highlanders' legal status and the 1703 dukedom date.