O'Murphy Surname Meaning & Coat of Arms

O'Murphy is best understood together with Murphy: both are Irish spellings of a single family name. At root, the name means “Descendant of Murchadh, "sea warrior”.

Spelling and variants

O'Murphy simply joins the particle O' to Murphy, a habit common in Irish naming. Before spelling was standardised, one family could appear under several forms. Related forms: Murchie and MacMurphy.

Family crest and blazon

Looking for a O'Murphy coat of arms? Arms were granted to families, not to surnames, and our research shows which heraldic tradition fits yours.

Want more than a summary? See the O'Murphy family name pack.