The Clan/Sept History

The English name Murphy is the Anglicisation of two Gaelic names, Ó Murchadha and Mac Murchadha, both from the popular personal name 'Murchadh' meaning 'sea warrior'. The Mac Murchadha sept was based in Ulster and was part of the Cineál Eoghain tribal grouping. The Ó Murchadha sept were to be found in three distinct areas; Cork, Roscommon and Wexford. Today, Murphy is the most numerous surname in Ireland, and can be found throughout the country, particularly in counties Wexford, Armagh and Carlow.