Murilo

The given name 'Murilo' is primarily of Spanish and Galician-Portuguese origin, with meanings associated with walls or small fortifications.

Origin

Murilo is considered a variant of the Spanish surname 'Murillo'. This surname often has toponymic roots, referring to someone from one of several places named Murillo in Spain. Etymologically, 'Murillo' is derived from the Latin word murus, meaning 'wall', often with a diminutive suffix indicating 'small wall' or 'little wall'. The name's usage as a given name is more prevalent in Portuguese-speaking regions.

Meaning

The primary meaning of Murilo, stemming from its connection to the Latin murus ('wall') and associated diminutive forms, is 'small wall' or 'little wall'. It can by extension imply a 'small fortified place' or a 'rampart'.

Usage and Notable Mentions

The given name 'Murilo' is most commonly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil, where it has gained considerable popularity. It is also used in Spain and other Spanish-speaking territories, albeit less frequently than in Lusophone cultures. The surname Murillo, from which it is derived, is well-known, partly due to the Spanish Baroque painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.