Origin and Meaning of Murphy

Sea Warrior

Origin: Irish - Derived from the Gaelic surname 'Ó Murchadha', meaning 'descendant of Murchadh'. The first element 'muir' means 'sea', and the second element 'cath' means 'battle' or 'warrior'.

• Murphy is one of the most common surnames in Ireland, and it has been used as a given name since the late 20th century.
• The name is popular in many English-speaking countries, particularly in both Ireland and the United States.
• Notable bearers of the name include Murphy Brown, a fictional character in a popular TV series, and actor Eddie Murphy.
• In the United States, the name Murphy has gained popularity over the past few decades, especially as a trendy choice for boys.
• Variations and related names include Murchadh, Murph, and even short forms like Murf.