Murphy name meaning
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What does Murphy mean?
The name "Murphy" carries an energetic, Celtic charm. Most famously known as a surname, it holds the distinction of being the most common family name in both Ireland and the United States.
Interestingly, it has transitioned into use as a first name, with a balance that makes it a viable choice for both boys and girls. This gender-neutral appeal is reflected in its growing popularity, as observed in recent statistics.
The association of the name "Murphy" with the media industry, particularly through the character Murphy Brown from the eponymous TV show, and notable personalities such as Eddie Murphy and Cillian Murphy, has lent it a degree of contemporary relevance.
This name has a rich Gaelic origin, with a meaning that signifies a "warrior of the sea." It's an evocative imagery that speaks to courage, resilience, and adaptability.
The association with Murphy's Law, which suggests that "anything that can go wrong will go wrong," might initially seem negative.
However, this can also be interpreted in a positive light, symbolizing the ability to navigate life's ups and downs with humor, grace, and a positive outlook.
Overall, the name "Murphy" encapsulates a lively spirit, carrying cultural richness, contemporary relevance, and a sense of resilience and adaptability that would serve any child well.
How do I pronounce Murphy?
The two syllabled name Murphy is commonly pronounced as m(u)-rphy. Some people pronounce it as mur-phy.
Variants of Murphy
How popular is the name Murphy?
A common name in United States having over 8067 recievers in 178 years of usage. When at the peak of its usage in 1892, 165 boys were bestowed the name and it was ranked at 497th position.
Additionally, the given name has been in Murphy is a unique baby name in England and Wales, it has been in use since 1997 and was able to reach the top 900 names.
Recently in 2018, it achieved its highest ever ranking of 887 on boy names chart when 34 babies were named Murphy. There are over 365 babies that have been given the name Murphy in England and Wales.
Murphy is an uncommon baby name in France, its highest ever rank is 1301 (1992) in its 18 years run on France naming chart. There are over 102 babies that have been given the name Murphy in France.
Murphy is a common name in Philippines and Nigeria while somewhat familiar name in Liberia, DR Congo, Ghana, Gabon, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Canada, China, Malaysia, England and India. At least, 10000 people globally have been given the name as per our estimate.
| Year | Boys | Girls | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Births | Rank | Births | |
| 2023 | 895 | 257 | 519 | 582 |
| 2022 | 884 | 266 | 664 | 443 |
| 2021 | 1025 | 212 | 714 | 398 |
| 2020 | 963 | 224 | 973 | 260 |
| 2019 | 1080 | 185 | 1293 | 177 |
| 2018 | 1164 | 164 | 1496 | 146 |
| 2017 | 1146 | 165 | 1495 | 148 |
| 2016 | 1168 | 163 | 1711 | 124 |
| 2015 | 1226 | 149 | 2150 | 88 |
| 2014 | 1385 | 123 | 3651 | 42 |
Facts
Murphy in Nordic countries
| Countries | Men | Women | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Name | Secondary Name | First Name | Secondary Name | |
 | 20 | 30 | 0 | 5 |
 | 5 | 11 | 3 | 6 |
 | 5 | 11 | 3 | 6 |
 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
What numerology tells about Murphy?
You are looking for your higher purpose. Everyone with a soul urge number 2 fall in love with the speed of light. Economic stability matters to you more than working with something you actually love. You always give the best ideas at work but lack of ideas when it comes to your personal life. You are still fragile as a human being and care deeply about people. Your overall health is great. You are good at envisioning projects and develop them on your own.
Go through the following names similar to Murphy
- Rorik - Rorik's meaning is Illustrious is dominantly used in Frisian has its roots in Celtic is used as a baby boy name
- Gwennaelle means Happy or Generous has origin in Celtic
- Dunne - Baby boy name Dunne means "Brown or Form of Dunn" substantially used in English has origin in Celtic
- Arturo - Meaning of Arturo is The Bear is specifically used in English and Italian which is rooted from Celtic is used as a gender insensitive name
- Leoline is used in English and Welsh is a baby boy name, Leoline means "Leader" came from Celtic
Famous people named Murphy
- Murphy J. Foster, Louisiana politician
- Murphy Lee, American rapper
- Murphy Anderson, Murphy C. Anderson, Jr
- Murphy Su'a, former New Zealand cricketer
- Murphy Jensen, American business owner and former professional tennis player
- Murphy Dunne, American actor and musician
- Murphy Akanji, professional footballer
- Murphy Morobe, historical figure
- Murphy Wiredu, Canadian former soccer player
- Murphy Cross in TV series Taxi as Actress
Lists having Murphy
- Boys names beginning with M
- Girls names beginning with M
- American Baby Names
- Celtic Baby Names
- English Baby Names
Related Posts
Sources
- Social Security Administration, https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/index.html
- Office for National Statistics, https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/livebirths
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques, https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2540004