Murtagh is a Gaelic name drawn from one of the great personal names of early Ireland.
Where does the Murtagh name come from?
Murtagh comes from the Gaelic personal name Muircheartach, meaning “sea-navigator” or “skilled in the sea” — from muir (sea) and a word for skill or direction. As a surname it appears both on its own and in the form Mac Muircheartaigh, “son of Muircheartach,” and is closely related to the names Moriarty and McCartan in their roots. It is also seen as Murtaugh and Mortagh.
Murtagh in Ireland
The personal name was borne by several kings of early Ireland, and the surname is found particularly in the midlands and the north, including counties Westmeath and Roscommon. As an old Gaelic name, Murtagh appears in several spellings and is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Moriarty, Mullan, and Barry.
Carry the Murtagh name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the Murtagh collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Murtagh an Irish surname?
Yes — Murtagh is a Gaelic Irish surname, from the personal name Muircheartach, found especially in the midlands and the north.
What does Murtagh mean?
It comes from Muircheartach, meaning “sea-navigator” or “skilled in the sea.”
Is there a Murtagh family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our Murtagh products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.
