Murphy is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Ó Murchadha, which means "descendant of sea warrior". The name has been associated with Ireland for centuries and is believed to have originated in County Cork.
The first recorded spelling of the name was found in the late 12th century, when a certain "Muryph FitzDavid" was listed as a witness in a charter relating to the abbey of St. Mary's, Cork. Over time, the name has evolved and taken on various spellings such as Murphey, Murphy, and even Morphy.
Murphy is also connected to the Irish language through its association with words like "murchú", meaning "sea warrior" or "proud". This gives the surname a strong historical and cultural context within Irish society.
In terms of history, many notable figures have carried the Murphy name. One such figure is James Murphy, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence in America. Another notable Murphy is the Irish novelist and playwright, George Murphy, who was known for his witty and humorous works.
Today, Murphy remains a popular surname worldwide, with large concentrations found in Ireland, England, Australia, Canada, and the United States. It continues to be celebrated as an important part of Irish culture and heritage.
The name Murphy experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, with consistent increases in annual births recorded between 1881 and 1924. The peak of this period was reached in 1923 with 83 births. However, after 1924, there is a noticeable decline in popularity, with fluctuations ranging from a low of 26 births in 1967 to a high of 266 births in 2022, indicating ongoing but less pronounced trends in recent decades. Overall, the name Murphy has been used in a total of 7832 births over this span of time.