Carson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Scotland 
  Ireland 
  England 


The name Carson was first used by the ancient Strathclyde-Briton people of the Scottish/English Borderlands. The first Carson family lived in Dumfriesshire, where the first mention of the family was of Morris Acarson, Bailiff of the Isle of Man, appointed by King Alexander I of Scotland about 1100 A.D. This is the same person as Mauritius Okarefair. 1

The family "was provosts of Dumfries for several generations and were also prominent in local affairs of Kirkcudbrightshire. No value need be attached to the tradition of descent from an Italian named Corsini reputed to have been brought to Scotland by Dervorgilla to superintend the building of Sweetheart Abbey. Everything points to native origin. " 1

Early Origins of the Carson family

The surname Carson was first found in Dumfriesshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Dhùn Phris), a Southern area, bordering on England that today forms part of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Area, where they are believed to be descended from the Irish Clan MacCarrghama of the Hy Fiachra and arrived on the south west Scottish coast about the 9th century.

Sir Robert de Acarson (or de Carsan), a cleric witnessed a charter of Holm Cultram in 1276 and it may be the same Robert de Carsan who rendered homage to Edward I in 1296. 1

"Laughlan, son of Laughlan de Carsan and Dovenald, son of Thomas de Carsan were among some Galloway hostages lodged in Carlisle. In 1305 John Acarson and others took the castle of Dumfries from its garrison. Morice Acrassane and Gilbert were jurors on an inquisition at Drumfrese, 1367." 1

Early History of the Carson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Carson research. Another 270 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1180, 1296, 1305, 1373, 1374, 1377, 1394, 1445, 1453, 1503, 1531, 1665, 1772, 1776, 1780, 1799, 1808, 1843, 1844, 1850 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Carson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Carson Spelling Variations

Surnames that evolved in Scotland in the Middle Ages often appear under many spelling variations. These are due to the practice of spelling according to sound in the era before dictionaries had standardized the English language. Carson has appeared as Carson, Carsen and others.

Early Notables of the Carson family

Notable amongst the family at this time was

Carson World Ranking

In the United States, the name Carson is the 472nd most popular surname with an estimated 59,688 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name Carson is ranked the 637th most popular surname with an estimated 8,166 people with that name. 3 And in Australia, the name Carson is the 719th popular surname with an estimated 5,432 people with that name. 4 New Zealand ranks Carson as 399th with 1,641 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Carson as 780th with 8,682 people. 6

Migration of the Carson family to Ireland

Some of the Carson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 129 words (9 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Carson migration to the United States +

The North American colonies beckoned, with their ample land and opportunity as their freedom from the persecution suffered by so many Clan families back home. Many Scots even fought against England in the American War of Independence to gain this freedom. Recently, clan societies have allowed the ancestors of these brave Scottish settlers to rediscover their familial roots. Among them:

Carson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Carson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Carson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Carson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Carson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Carson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Carson migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Carson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Carson migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Carson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Carson (post 1700) +


The Carson 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: Ne m'oubliez
Motto Translation: Don't forget me.


Suggested Readings for the name Carson +
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