murphy

Murphy is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Murchadha, meaning “descendant of Murchadh.” The given name Murchadh is often translated as “sea warrior” or “sea battler.” The surname has long been established in Ireland and spread to other English-speaking countries through emigration.

As a surname, Murphy is widespread in Ireland and the Irish diaspora; in the United States and Britain it is common across communities from urban centers to rural areas. The name is also used, less commonly, as a given name or nickname.

Numerous uses of Murphy exist in popular culture and practical life. Murphy's law, named after engineer Edward A. Murphy Jr., states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and is widely cited in engineering and management. The Murphy bed, or wall bed, is a bed that folds into a cabinet for space-saving purposes, invented by William Lawrence Murphy in the late 19th or early 20th century. Murphy Oil Soap is a household cleaning product.

Geographically, Murphy is the name of several towns and communities, especially in the United States. The name also appears in brand names, institutions, and fictional works.