The name Caraher is derived from the Gaelic MacFhearchair, which means 'son of Farquhar'. Farquhar is derived from the Gaelic word Fearchar, which means 'very dear one'. So, the name means 'son of the very dear one'.
Early Origins of the Caraher family
The surname Caraher was first found in
Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern
Scotland, where the family has a long and distinguished history dating back to the early Middle Ages. They claim descent from Farquhar Mackintosh who arrived in Braemar in 1382. The
Clan was one of the principal members of the
Clan Chattan (the
Clan of the Cat), a powerful 26
Clan confederation. Accordingly, they rank as a sept of the
Clan Chattan. Their alliance with the MacKintoshes was particularly strong and this proved quite advantageous, as the MacKintoshes were the captains of the Clan.
Early History of the Caraher family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Caraher research.
Another 345 words (25 lines of text) covering the years 1350, 1699 and 1782 are included under the topic Early Caraher History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Caraher Spelling Variations
Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of
spelling variations with single names. Caraher has appeared Farquharson, Farqharson, Farquharsen, MacFhearchair (Gaelic), Caraher and many more.
Early Notables of the Caraher family (pre 1700)
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Caraher Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Caraher family to Ireland
Some of the Caraher family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 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 Caraher family to the New World and Oceana
Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to
Ireland and
Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American
War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the
Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name Caraher: Harry Farquharson, who came to Virginia in 1716; Alexander Farquharson, who is on record in Halifax Nova Scotia in 1795; Alexander Farquharson, along with John, Donald, Duncan, Peter and William, were among Scots banished to the American Plantations (Barbados) in 1745-7. Other records show John Farquharsen settling in Savanna, Georgia in 1822.
Contemporary Notables of the name Caraher (post 1700)
- Kim Caraher (d. 2007), Irish born, Australian author, awarded a Children's Book Council Notable Book award for The Cockroach Cup in 1998 and an Aurealis Award for Best Children's Short Fiction in 2002
- John Bernard "Ben" Caraher (b. 1938), former politician in Northern Ireland
- Fergal Caraher (1970-1990), Irish Provisional IRA volunteer and Sinn Féin member who was killed by British military forces
The Caraher 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: Fide et fortitudine
Motto Translation: By fidelity and fortitude.