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.
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.
Early History of the Carik family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Carik research.
Another 185 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1224, 1296, 1370, 1380, 1370 and 1371 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)
Another 27 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.
Another 43 words (3 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 Carik family to the New World and Oceana
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.