Murgatroyd is an English surname. Its etymology, according to one source, is as follows: in 1371, a constable was appointed for the district of Warley in Yorkshire. He adopted the name of Johanus de Morgateroyde, or literally: Johanus of Moor Gate Royde or the district leading to the moor. Another source says the place name means Margaret's road. In Norse, the Royd meant "Clearing" (as in a forest) Although Moorgate in London was a gate with the road to the moor passing through, in Yorkshire, Gate (again from Norse) means street, so Moor Gate Royd would be "A clearing in the forest on the road to the moor".
The name is also used in the favorite catchphrase of the Hanna-Barbera cartoon character Snagglepuss – "Heavens to Murgatroyd!", a line first spoken by Bert Lahr in the 1944 film Meet the People, whom Snagglepuss' voice is largely based on.
The name may refer to the following people:
Cecil G. Murgatroyd (1958–2001), long-running satirical political candidate in Australia and New Zealand
Gavin Murgatroyd (born 1969), Namibian cricketer (previously known as Bryan Murgatroyd)
Henry Murgatroyd (1853–1905), English cricketer
Peta Murgatroyd (born 1986), professional dancer
Stephen Murgatroyd (born 1950), writer, broadcaster and consultant.
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