Murphy Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Murphy come from? What does the surname Murphy mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Murphy and family migration on YourRoots Map.
McMurrough, McMurphy, Morahan, Morken, Morphis, Morphy, Murphey, Murphree, Murphrey
Surname Murphy Origin: What does the last name Murphy mean?
Murphy is a common Irish surname with a rich history dating back to ancient times. The name originated from the Irish personal name "Murchadh," which means "sea warrior" or "sea battler." Historically, the O'Murphys were a chiefly family of the Uí Ceinnselaig tribe, who were part of the third wave of Celts to settle in Ireland around the first century BC. Today, "Murphy" is the most common surname in Ireland, the fourteenth most common in Northern Ireland, and the sixty-fourth most common surname in the United States.
YourRoots data reveals that the Murphy surname has been present in records from England since the early 15th century. Over time, the name gained prominence in Ireland in the 17th century and eventually spread to the United States by the 18th century. The surname has a strong global presence, with significant numbers found in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. The enduring legacy of the Murphy surname reflects a history of bravery and resilience that continues to be celebrated in diverse cultures around the world.
Murphy Last Name History: Where did the last name Murphy come from?
Origin of Murphy Surname: Where does the last name Murphy originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Murphy first appeared in records from England around the early 15th century. This data only reflects the exact "Murphy" spelling in the YourRoots database and does not consider other sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Murphy: What does the Murphy surname history look like in the early days?
The Murphy surname was closely associated with England during the 15th and 16th century but started to show a notable presence in Ireland in the 17th century. By the 18th century, the frequency of Murphy family records started to grow significantly in the United States, indicating a shift and spread of the surname over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Murphy surname today?
The Murphy surname became quite prominent in the United States by the 17th century, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Murphy surname is present in several countries worldwide, with the highest volume of records found in the United States. However, the surname is also widely spread and can be found in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa among others, reflecting its global presence.
Explore Murphy last name heritage and Murphy surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Murphy Surame?
Eddie Murphy
Edward Regan Murphy (April 3, 1961 - ) is a renowned American actor, comedian, and singer. He gained fame on Saturday Night Live and starred in hit films like 48 Hrs., Beverly Hills Cop, and Shrek. Murphy has won multiple awards and is known for his humor and versatility in the entertainment industry.
Brittany Murphy
Brittany Anne Murphy-Monjack (Nov 10, 1977 - Dec 20, 2009) was an American actress and singer known for her roles in iconic films like Clueless and 8 Mile. She also voiced Luanne Platter on Fox's King of the Hill. Murphy tragically passed away at the age of 32.
Audie Murphy
Audie Leon Murphy (20 Jun 1925 – 28 May 1971) was a highly decorated American soldier, actor, and songwriter. Known as the most decorated combat soldier of World War II, Murphy received the Medal of Honor for his bravery. After the war, he pursued a successful acting career, starring in the autobiographical film "To Hell and Back."
Donna Murphy
Donna Jean Miller (March 7, 1959 - ) is an American actress known for her work in musical theater. She has won two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical and has appeared in films such as "Spider-Man 2" and "Tangled." Murphy currently stars in the HBO series "The Gilded Age."
Erin Murphy
Erin Margaret Murphy (born Jun 17, 1964) is an American actress best known for her role as young Tabitha Stephens in the television sitcom Bewitched. She later appeared in various TV shows, commercials, and reality TV programs. Murphy is also a writer, motivational speaker, and fundraiser for charitable organizations.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.