Murphy

This jaunty Celtic surname — one of the most common family names in both Ireland and the US — is totally viable as a first. The arguably most famous Murphy is TV's Murphy Brown, and indeed the name was given to more than twice as many girls in a recent year. Nevertheless, it remains a totally viable option for boys.

After being absent since the 1950s, the name reappeared in the US charts in the 2020s and while at first it was a solidly gender neutral name, the split is now 70:30, with 783 girls and 341 boys receiving the name in a recent year.

Derived from the Irish Murchadh, it has the cool meaning "sea warrior", perfect for ocean lovers and environmentalists.

There have been countless notable surnamed Murphys, including the currently prominent Eddie and Cillian. while Murphy was also the eponymous protagonist of Samuel Beckett's first published novel.

One possible negative: the association with Murphy's Law--if anything can go wrong, it will. But if Rowdy and Ryatt can make the charts, well maybe that chaotic energy could be part of the appeal.

As of October 2026, Murphy ranked #754 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #510 in 1892, Nameberry popularity #528.