Murphy
Murphy is a girl's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
Sea warrior or hound of the sea.
Origin and history
Murphy is derived from an Irish Gaelic surname meaning son of Murchadh, which translates to sea warrior. Historically used primarily as a masculine name or surname, it has seen a rapid surge in popularity as a contemporary feminine given name in the United States. Recent birth statistics reflect its transition into a trendy, modern choice for girls.
Popularity in the United States
4,688 babies in the United States have been named Murphy since 1880. It ranks #2554 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #558.
States where it is most popular
- TX (10 %)
- CA (6.9 %)
- OH (5.1 %)
- GA (4.2 %)
- TN (4.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 5 |
| 1900-1910 | 5 |
| 1910-1920 | 33 |
| 1920-1930 | 9 |
| 1930-1940 | 28 |
| 1940-1950 | 5 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 0 |
| 1980-1990 | 35 |
| 1990-2000 | 337 |
| 2000-2010 | 271 |
| 2010-2019 | 837 |
| 2020-2029 | 3,123 |
Famous people named Murphy
- Murphy Brown: Fictional character
Nicknames
Murph
Fun facts
- The name comes from the Irish personal name Murchadh, composed of elements meaning sea and warrior.
- Although historically a common masculine surname, Murphy has gained significant traction as a girl's name in the 2020s.