Curphey

Curphey is a surname with strongest historical associations to the Isle of Man and neighboring regions in the British Isles. In genealogical and parish records, the name appears in Manx registers and in surrounding areas where Manx families settled. Over time, bearers of the surname have spread via migration, producing occurrences in Britain, as well as in North America and other Commonwealth countries.

The etymology of Curphey is not definitively established. It is commonly treated as a Manx-origin name, potentially derived from a place name or from a personal name combined with a local element typical of Insular surnames. Early spellings were variable, reflecting the lack of standardized orthography in historical records.

Variant spellings observed in archival documents include Curphie, Curphy, and Curphee, among others. Such variation is typical of surnames in regions with diverse linguistic influences and evolving writing practices prior to modern standardization.

Notable bearers of the surname are primarily documented in local and regional contexts rather than on an international biographical scale. The name is frequently encountered in family histories, genealogical surveys, and parish registries connected to the Isle of Man and its diaspora.

See also: List of Manx surnames; Isle of Man genealogy; Curphey family.