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Murphy

What does the name Murphy mean?

The Murphy surname originates from Ireland, where it is still the most common surname on the island. Murphy is thought to come from the anglicisation of a number of similar Gaelic patronymic names, 'O Murchadha', and 'Mac Murchaidh', both coming from the given name 'Murchadh'. This Gaelic given name means 'sea warrior'.

The earliest occurrence of the Murphy surname in our family history documents is from 1564, and we currently have 3,676,730 records where Murphy appears.

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Typical jobs for Murphies

Typical jobs for Murphies

Hard-working people, the Murphies. 2488 worked as labourers, according to the 1901 Census.

Where most Murphies lived

Where most Murphies lived

In the 1900s, you’d probably bump into a Murphy in Lancashire.

Murphies’ criminal history

Murphies’ criminal history

How do we put this... Not all Murphies were angels, apparently. We found 2679 in criminal records.

Murphies in World War I

Murphies in World War I

According to the World War I records, 3067 Murphies served in the First World War.

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