Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Murphy

Murphy is an Irish surname. In fact, Murphy is the most common Irish surname in all of Ireland, especially concentrated in Leinster and Munster. So from where exactly does this illustrious Irish surname name come? An ancient, pre-ninth century clan name, Murphy’s etymology is derived from the O'Murchadhas (descendents of Murchadh) whereby Murchadh means “sea warrior”, from the Old Gaelic elements “muir” (sea) and “cadh” (warrior). Many Irish surnames find their roots in the personal name of some tribal leader from long ago, and suffice it to say that someone known as Murchadh (i.e., sea warrior) most likely held high status in the land given the importance of the sea to the Irish people. A sea warrior would have played an important role in fending off invading enemies, particularly the Vikings. The first recorded evidence of the family name came in the early 12th century in the person of Domhnall Dall Ua Murchadha (Donald “the blind” Murphy) who was listed as the chief sage (educator) of Leinster (1127). As a given name, Murphy has a history of usage in the United States (by way of Irish immigrants).

All About the Baby Name – Murphy

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME MURPHY

The number 11 is a Master Number, and embodies heightened traits of the Two. This personality is on a life journey to find spiritual truth. They are extremely idealistic and intuitive. Elevens have a rare and exceptional spiritual energy that brings a sense of obligation to illuminate the world around them. It's a very powerful responsibility, but these people have far more potential than they know. It's important that they surrender to higher ideals. They have the capacity to see the bigger picture, and they possess the skills to inspire others spiritually. Elevens have strong diplomatic skills and can become great peacemakers. Master numbers can be both a blessing and a curse, as they walk the fine line between greatness and the potential for self-destruction.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME MURPHY

As a forename, Murphy does have a history of usage in the United States, and one which dates back to the late 19th century. It would have typically been bestowed on boys whose mother had the maiden name “Murphy” (or some other important family member). Murphy was a low-moderate favorite at the turn of the 20th century, but he dropped off America’s Top 1000 list in 1957 (and has yet to return). We found this a bit perplexing given names like Finnegan, Sullivan, Keegan and Teagan make the list. Murphy is perhaps the most Irish of them all! One might also consider Murphy a gender-neutral name, in reference to the 80s/90s sitcom “Murphy Brown” (the character of Murphy Brown was considered “one of the boys”). In any case, this definitive Irish surname is pretty much in nonuse as a forename in America today. It is, however, a popular name among pet dogs and cats.

Quick Facts

ON MURPHY

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

MUR-fee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Sea warrior

Characteristics

OF MURPHY

Inspirational

Highly Intuitive

Spiritual Teacher

Extremely Bright

Uplifting

Truth-seeker

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Murphy

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MURPHY

Murphy is the title protagonist of the 1938 novel, Murphy, by Irish Absurdist dramatist Samuel Beckett. Murphy may be the biggest nihilist of all time – his favorite pastime is rocking back and forth in the dark in a chair, naked and tied up. Sounds like fun, right? Murphy’s buddy, a chap called Neary, amuses himself by trying to self-induce heart attacks. At his lover, Celia’s behest (she, by the way, is a sensible, usefully employed prostitute), Murphy finds a job in an insane asylum as a male nurse, when probably he should be an inmate. Naturally, Murphy considers the patients to be icons of mental health, and passes his time playing chess with them. Having failed to reach insanity as a means to freedom, Murphy wisely indulges in self-immolation, which guarantees nothingness. And he dies happily ever after, with his ashes being spread around a grimy saloon. The end.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MURPHY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Murphy


Popular Songs

ON MURPHY

Murphy Lee
a song by Murphy Lee

Famous People

NAMED MURPHY

Murphy Lee (rapper)
Murphy Jensen (tennis player)
Murphy J. Foster, Jr. (former Governor of Louisiana)
Murphy Anderson (comic book artist)

Children of Famous People

NAMED MURPHY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Murphy

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MURPHY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Murphy