Murphy is a distinctive girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #1180 in 2022 with 28 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 52 births ranking #705. In 2022, approximately 1 in every 9,411 girls born was named Murphy. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Murphy is an energetic Irish surname name usually explained as 'sea warrior'. It feels playful, modern, and a little unexpected as a girls' choice.
Like many Irish surnames, Murphy entered first-name use because surname names became stylish and flexible. Its appeal rests on personality and rhythm as much as background meaning.