Carik History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland
England

In the Scottish/English Borderlands, the Strathclyde Britons were the first to use the name Carik. It is derived from the personal name Craig. Thus, Carik is a patronymic name, taken from the given name of the father or some other ancestor of the bearer. However, Carik may also be of local origin, referring to those who lived in or near the place called Carrick in Ayrshire. [1]

The name could have also been derived from the Gaelic, "carraig" meaning "rock." [2]

Early Origins of the Carik family

The surname Carik was first found in Ayrshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Àir), formerly a county in the southwestern Strathclyde region of Scotland, that today makes up the Council Areas of South, East, and North Ayrshire, and were known as 'the men of Carrick'.

Duncan de Carrick (died 1250) was made the Mormaer (Earl) of Carrick by Scottish King Alexander I in 1186. He was a direct ancestor Robert the Bruce (Robert I), King of the Scots 1274-1329. Mestre Duncan de Carrike of county of Berewyke rendered homage to King Edward I of England in 1296. [1]

Early History of the Carik family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Carik research. Another 252 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1224, 1296, 1370, 1320, 1360, 1372, 1429, 1554, 1606, 1665, 1820, 1380, 1370, 1371, 1717, 1779 and 1716 are included under the topic Early Carik History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Carik Spelling Variations

Scribes in Medieval Scotland spelled names by sound rather than any set of rules, so an enormous number of spelling variations exist in names of that era. Carik has been spelled Carrick, Carick, Carich, Carrich, Karryck, Karrik, Karrick, Kerrich, Kerrick, Carrig, Carrigy, McCarrigy and many more.

Early Notables of the Carik family (pre 1700)

Notable amongst the family at this time was John de Carrick (died c. 1380), a native of Carrick, Scotland, Chancellor of Scotland and Bishop-elect of Dunkeld (1370-1371.) David Garrick (1717-1779)...
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Carik Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Carik family to Ireland

Some of the Carik family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Carik family

The number of Strathclyde Clan families sailing for North America increased steadily as the persecution continued. In the colonies, they could find not only freedom from the iron hand of the English government, but land to settle on. The American War of Independence allowed many of these settlers to prove their independence, while some chose to go to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Scots played essential roles in the forging of both great nations. Among them: Richard Carrick, who arrived in Virginia in 1650; Roger Carrick, who came to Virginia in 1672; Christian Carrick, a bonded passenger, who came to America in 1758.

The Carik 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: Garde bien
Motto Translation: Watch well.

Citations +

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)