Murphy
Gender: Unisex
Meaning: Sea warrior, hound of the sea
Origin: Irish
Popularity: Ranked #397 in 2025 with 783 babies born.
History: Murphy surged in the 2010s-2020s as an Irish surname-name. Murphy Brown — Candice Bergen's groundbreaking TV journalist — fought for women in the workplace and sparked a national debate when she chose single motherhood. Murphy's Law states that anything that can go wrong, will — the most American philosophical principle. Murphy means Irish resilience meeting American pragmatism.
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Murphy? About 1 in 2,961 babies born in 2025 were named Murphy, or roughly 3.1 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Murphy
What does the name Murphy mean?
Murphy means “Sea warrior, hound of the sea” from Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Murphy?
Murphy has Irish origin. The traditional meaning is “Sea warrior, hound of the sea”.
How popular is Murphy?
Murphy ranked #397 in 2025 — given to 783 babies that year.
When was Murphy most popular?
Murphy peaked in 2025 with 783 babies registered that year.
Is Murphy a boy or girl name?
Murphy is used for both boys and girls. In the records, about 64% of Murphys are boys and 36% are girls.
Is the name Murphy rising or falling in popularity?
Murphy has risen 581 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #978 in 2020 to #397 in 2025.
How long has Murphy been recorded?
Murphy appears in birth records across 140 years — from 1881 through 2025.