There is no clear consensus on this particular question, with different experts offering various accounts and conflicting information. Some suggest that Murphy's fowl were more likely to be called "lawman whitehackles" because they belonged to a man known as Billy lawman – an oafish character who supposedly resembled a law enforcement officer. Others contend that the bird's name was likely simply descriptive, referring to their characteristic markings. As yet, there is no definitive answer.