The authors agree that this surname is of Sardinian origin and derives from the dialect word mura, which designates the blackberry or mulberry. E. De Felice notes that the surname comes from a nickname formed from that term, with the meaning "blackberry of the mulberry or of the bramble" and also "mulberry tree", and that it frequently acted as a place name before becoming a surname. He highlights its presence in the southern area of Sardinia.

E. Rossoni agrees with that etymology and adds that the nickname possibly alluded to the presence of mulberry trees near the family dwelling. He further considers possible a relation with the term muro, which would indicate the existence of a stone wall near the house. Rossoni supplies a relevant historical detail: the surname is documented among the signatories of the Peace of Eleonora of 1388. He notes that its diffusion covers the whole of Sardinia, with the greatest concentration in the central area, and that in mainland Italy it is more frequent in the centre-north.