Muro
A surname from the Spanish word for “wall” or “rampart,” likely first used for someone who lived by a wall, fortress, or walled place.
The #4,481 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 39,003 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Muro comes from Spanish muro, meaning “wall” or “rampart,” ultimately from Latin murus, “wall.” As a surname, it was probably first applied to someone who lived near a wall, city wall, or fortified enclosure, or perhaps came from a place so named. The word is also found in other Romance languages with the same basic meaning, which fits this type of surname well.
History
Historical surname lists show Muro in Spanish contexts, and related forms such as Mur, Muros, Murillo, and Murua. The name is most strongly associated with Spanish-speaking regions, though similar forms may appear elsewhere in Romance-language areas. In modern usage it remains a relatively uncommon surname.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The same Latin root behind Muro also gave English words like “mural,” through the idea of a wall.
From the historical record
“3Iurdric, 341 Jfurdoch, 341 Muro. Dc-, 407 Mus. 337 Mu.^ai-d, ISO, 220, 3-41, 3S2. 396,”
— The Norman People and their existing descendants in the British dominions and the United States