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unisex name · irish origin

Murphy

/ MUR-fee /
Unisex irish 2 syllables
Meaning
Murphy means Sea-warrior (irish).
Gender
Unisex
Origin
irish
Pronunciation
MUR-fee
Popularity
#397 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Murphy in the US, 1880–2025
1900192019401960198020002020

Murphy first appears in US records in 1898. It peaked in 2025, when 783 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 783.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Murphy popular?

Near its peak Murphy is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2025.

US babies given the name Murphy, by decade
2020s 3,123
2010s 837
2000s 271
1990s 337
1980s 35
1940s 5
1930s 28
1920s 9
1910s 33
1900s 5
1890s 5

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Murphy mean?

From the Irish surname Ó Murchadha, from 'muir' (sea) and 'cath' (battle), giving 'sea-warrior' or 'sea-battler'. One of the most common surnames in Ireland, now used as a given name.

Names like Murphy

irish names with a similar feel and popularity.

Unisex
Casey
KAY-see
Vigilant in war · irish
 Unisex
Darcy
DAR-see
dark one; or from Arcy (place name) — two origins · irish
 Unisex
Kane
KAYN
Little battle / warrior · irish
 Unisex
Leannan
LAN-awn
Lover, sweetheart · irish
 Unisex
Quinn
KWIN
Descendant of Conn; chief · Irish
 Unisex
Riley
RY-lee
Valiant; rye clearing · Irish
 Unisex
Sloane
SLOHN
Raider / warrior · irish

See all names like Murphy →

Names that pair well with Murphy

Popular irish names for a sibling or a middle name.

Boy
Ryan
RY-un
Little king · Irish
 Boy
Liam
LEE-am
Resolute protector · Irish
 Boy
Aiden
AY-den
Little fire · Irish
 Boy
Sean
SHAWN
God is gracious · irish
 Boy
Aidan
AY-dən
Little fire · irish
 Boy
Connor
KON-er
lover of hounds/wolves (disputed) · irish

Compare Murphy

Murphy vs Casey Murphy vs Darcy Murphy vs Kane Murphy vs Leannan

Explore related names

Irish namesUnisex namesNames that mean warriorBaby names starting with M

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Murphy mean?

Murphy means Sea-warrior. From the Irish surname Ó Murchadha, from 'muir' (sea) and 'cath' (battle), giving 'sea-warrior' or 'sea-battler'. One of the most common surnames in Ireland, now used as a given name.

What is the origin of the name Murphy?

Murphy is of irish origin.

How do you pronounce Murphy?

Murphy is pronounced “MUR-fee.”

Is Murphy a boy or a girl name?

Murphy is most commonly used as a unisex name.

Is Murphy a popular name right now?

Murphy is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2025.

How popular is the name Murphy?

In 2025, Murphy ranked #397 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Murphy most popular?

Murphy was most popular in 2025, when about 783 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What names are similar to Murphy?

Names similar to Murphy include Casey, Darcy, Kane, Leannan, Quinn.

What names go well with Murphy?

irish names that pair well with Murphy include Ryan, Liam, Aiden, Sean, Aidan.