Map of Ireland showing where the Murphy arms are recorded
The Murphy arms were recorded in Dublin, c. 1603.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Ireland in this period.
Elizabeth I of England
Sovereign of the period
Elizabeth I of England
1558–1603
Reigning in Ireland when the Murphy arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Dublin.
Origin & History of the Murphy Family in Ireland
The surname Murphy is one of the most common names in Ireland, originating from the Gaelic phrase Ó Murchadha, which translates to descendant of the sea warrior. While the name has roots in several different regions of the country, historical records confirm that members of the family were well-established in Dublin by 1603. During this period, the city served as a center for political and social change, and families like the Murphys often held positions of influence or trade within the growing urban environment. As the family expanded throughout the seventeenth century, they integrated into the evolving social structure of the capital city. Their presence in Dublin during this time reflects the broader movement of Irish clans toward administrative hubs as the traditional Gaelic order began to shift under new governance.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Murchadh
Derived from the Gaelic words for sea and warrior or battler.
This name
MurphyA descendant of the sea warrior, representing strength and maritime heritage.
also spelled
Murphey
Murphie
Murphee
Related arms
Vaughansimilar arms
Crothersrecorded with Murphy, same area
Gorgesrecorded with Murphy, same area
Smithrecorded with Murphy, same area
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall. 1923
National Archives of Ireland. Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Ireland. 1603
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
wheatsheafPlenty, and the harvest of one's own labour
