What is the origin of the idiom "one's name is mud" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "one's name is mud" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. Some sources suggest that the phrase may be related to Dr. Samuel Mudd, who was convicted of conspiring in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and whose name became synonymous with betrayal and infamy. Over time, the phrase has evolved to refer to any situation where someone's reputation has been damaged, whether it's due to a specific incident or a pattern of behavior.