MacMurphy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Many of the oldest Irish surnames were originally in the Gaelic language native to Ireland. The original Gaelic form of the name MacMurphy is Ó Murchadha or Mac Murchadha, which are both derived from the word "murchadh," meaning "sea warrior."

Early Origins of the MacMurphy family

The surname MacMurphy was first found in County Wexford (Irish: Loch Garman), founded by Vikings as Waesfjord, and located in Southeastern Ireland, in the province of Leinster, where they held a family seat from very early times.

Early History of the MacMurphy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacMurphy research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1127, 1172, 1650, 1716 and 1798 are included under the topic Early MacMurphy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacMurphy Spelling Variations

The Middle Ages saw a great number of spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name MacMurphy were encountered in the archives: Murphy, Morchoe, O'Murphy, Murfie, Murfree, Morfie, Morfey and many more.

Early Notables of the MacMurphy family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacMurphy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacMurphy family

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the MacMurphy name: Dennis Murphy, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1766; Abraham Murphy, who settled in Maryland in 1674; Daniel Murphy, who came to Maryland in 1678; Ann Murphy, who settled in Philadelphia in 1773.

The MacMurphy Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Fortis et hospitalis
Motto Translation: Brave and hospitable.