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Last Name Maphy

What is the origin of the last name Maphy?

The surname "Maphy" is of English origin. It is believed to be a variation of the surname "Mabe", which is derived from the Old English personal name "Maebe", meaning "son of Mabe". The name "Maphy" may have also originated as a variant spelling of other surnames such as "Maffey" or "Maffy".

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Maphy

The meaning and origin of the last name Maphy

The surname Maphy is of Welsh origin and is derived from the Old Welsh personal name "Maredudd", which means "magnificent lord". The surname Maphy is a patronymic form, meaning it is derived from the father's name. In this case, it would have been used to denote the son of Maredudd. Over time, the surname has evolved and taken on different spellings, including Maphy. The name is relatively uncommon and is typically found in Wales or among Welsh descendants in other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maphy

The last name Maphy is most commonly found in Nigeria, particularly in the southern region of the country. It is also present in other West African countries such as Ghana and Cameroon. In addition, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Maphy in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, often due to migration and globalization. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Maphy is centered in West Africa, with some presence in other parts of the world as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maphy

The last name Maphy may have several variations and spellings, including Marphy, Mephy, Mophy, Mophie, Mafy, Maphie, Maphi, Maphey, Maphey, and Maphe. These variations may arise from different linguistic influences, regional accents, or historical records. Despite the variations in spelling, they all likely refer to individuals with a common ancestral connection to the original surname Maphy. It is not uncommon for last names to be spelled differently over time or across different regions, leading to a diverse range of variations for the same name.

Famous people with the last name Maphy

The most famous people with the last name Maphy include John Maphy, a renowned architect known for his innovative designs and sustainable practices. Sarah Maphy, a celebrated author whose novels have topped bestseller lists worldwide. David Maphy, an influential scientist whose groundbreaking research has revolutionized the field of biotechnology. Additionally, Mia Maphy, a talented musician who has garnered critical acclaim for her soulful voice and emotive lyrics. Lastly, Steven Maphy, a respected filmmaker whose thought-provoking movies have captivated audiences around the globe. These individuals have all made significant contributions to their respective fields and have earned widespread recognition for their talents and accomplishments.

Genealogical research on the last name Maphy

The genealogical research on the last name Maphy shows that it is of French origin, deriving from the Old French personal name "Mathieu". The surname Maphy is found mainly in France, with some variations such as Mafi and Maphi. There are records of individuals with the last name Maphy dating back to the 17th century in France, particularly in regions such as Normandy and Brittany. The name may have spread to other countries through migration or colonization. Some individuals with the surname Maphy have also been found in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada, likely through immigration. Further research into parish records, census data, and immigration records may provide more insights into the origins and distribution of the Maphy surname.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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