McCarlais History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name McCarlais is from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of the Britain and comes from Carl, derived from the personal name which means man. Alternatively, the name could have been derived from the German (Saxon) word "carl" meaning "strong, stout, courageous, and valiant." 1 "It is rarely found as a forename before the reign of Charles I.' 2

Early Origins of the McCarlais family

The surname McCarlais was first found in Suffolk where Edward Charles was recorded the 1273. The same Hundredorum Rolls also included Charles (without surname), Kent; William Charle, Norfolk; Alan Charle, Cambridgeshire; Ida Carle, Cambridgeshire; Ralph Carles, Cambridgeshire; and William Carolus, Norfolk. 3

Early History of the McCarlais family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McCarlais research. Another 150 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1208, 1253, 1482, 1550, 1569, 1613, 1688 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McCarlais History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McCarlais Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. McCarlais has been spelled many different ways, including Charles, Carles, St. Charles and others.

Early Notables of the McCarlais family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Nicholas Charles or Carles (d. 1613), English herald, stated by Noble to have been son of a London butcher named George Carles, and grandson of Richard...
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McCarlais Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McCarlais family to Ireland

Some of the McCarlais family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McCarlais family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first McCarlaiss to arrive in North America: the family who settled at Brimfield, Massachusetts, about the year 1640. Dorothie Charles settled in Virginia in 1635; and Evan Charles settled in Antigua in 1679. John Charles settled in Virginia in 1634.

The McCarlais 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: Virtus auget honores
Motto Translation: Virtue increases honour.

Citations +

Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)