Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Murphy
UnisexIrish· “sea warrior”
- Meaning
- sea warrior
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- MUR-fee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #397
- US babies 2025
- 783
- Best rank
- #397 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Murphy
Murphy is an Irish name that means “sea warrior”.
Murphy is the English form of the Irish surname Ó Murchadha, descendant of Murchadh, a personal name made of muir, sea, and cath, battle, so it is usually given as sea warrior. It is the most common surname in Ireland. As a first name Murphy is used for both boys and girls and has a friendly, cheerful sound with a strong Irish flavor. It also brings to mind the humorous saying known as Murphy's law. Murph is a natural nickname, and the name fits with other surname choices like Riley and Quinn.
Popularity over time
Murphy first appears in US Social Security records in 1898. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 6 different years, starting in 2020. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #397, and its highest count, 783 babies. Use has grown 790% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #5,443 in 2000, #4,825 in 2010, and #397 in 2025. Of the 4,688 US girls named Murphy since records began, 67% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 837 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Briar, Kayce, Sunny, Rowen, and Miller.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Murphy ranked highest in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #87 | 11 |
| South Dakota | #92 | 11 |
| Nebraska | #128 | 18 |
| Minnesota | #160 | 34 |
| Kansas | #170 | 20 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Murphy is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 56% of US babies named Murphy were girls and 44% were boys.
Murphy is usually pronounced MUR-fee, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with M and ends in “-hy”.
Middle names for Murphy
A few middle names that flow with Murphy: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Murphy
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Lists that include Murphy
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Murphy mean?
Murphy is an Irish name that means “sea warrior”.
What is the origin of the name Murphy?
Murphy has Irish roots. Murphy is the English form of the Irish surname Ó Murchadha, descendant of Murchadh, a personal name made of muir, sea, and cath, battle, so it is usually given as sea warrior.
Is Murphy a popular name?
Yes. Murphy ranked #397 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Murphy a boy or girl name?
Murphy is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 56% of US babies named Murphy were girls and 44% were boys.
How do you pronounce Murphy?
Murphy is usually pronounced MUR-fee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings