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Murphy vs Darcy

Which is more popular?
Murphy is more popular than Darcy today: about 783 US babies were given the name Murphy in 2025, compared with 0 named Darcy.
MurphyDarcy
Meaning Sea-warrior dark one; or from Arcy (place name) — two origins
Origin irish irish
Gender Unisex Unisex
Pronunciation MUR-fee DAR-see
Syllables 2 2
First appeared18980
Peak year2025 (783)1970 (681)
In 20257830
TrendNear its peakVintage
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Murphy Darcy
1900192019401960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeMurphyDarcy
2020s 3,123 1,479
2010s 837 1,742
2000s 271 1,341
1990s 337 1,888
1980s 35 3,279
1970s 0 4,985
1960s 0 5,588
1950s 0 2,706
1940s 5 362
1930s 28 33
1920s 9 10
1910s 33 5
1900s 5 0
1890s 5 0

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.

What does Darcy mean?

Two distinct origins: as an Irish name it anglicizes O Dorchaidhe, from 'dorcha' meaning 'dark', giving 'dark one'; as an English/Norman name it is the aristocratic d'Arcy, a locational surname meaning 'from Arcy' in Normandy, with no 'dark' sense. Both are genuine; flag which is intended.

Frequently asked questions

Is Murphy or Darcy more popular?

Murphy is more popular than Darcy today: about 783 US babies were given the name Murphy in 2025, compared with 0 named Darcy.

What is the difference between Murphy and Darcy?

Murphy means Sea-warrior (irish origin), while Darcy means dark one; or from Arcy (place name) — two origins (irish origin).

Which name is older, Murphy or Darcy?

In US records, Murphy first appears in 1898 and Darcy in 0, so Darcy has the longer recorded history.