The name McCarrake was first used by the people of an ancient Scottish tribe called the
Strathclyde Britons. McCarrake is derived from the
personal name Craig. Thus, McCarrake is a
patronymic name, taken from the given name of the father or some other ancestor of the bearer. However, McCarrake may also be of
local origin, referring to those who lived in or near the place called Carrick in
Ayrshire.
Early Origins of the McCarrake family
The surname McCarrake 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 McCarrake family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McCarrake research.
Another 185 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1224, 1296, 1370, 1380, 1370 and 1371 are included under the topic Early McCarrake History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
McCarrake Spelling Variations
Medieval Scottish names are rife with
spelling variations. This is due to the fact that scribes in that era spelled according to the sound of words, rather than any set of rules. McCarrake has been spelled Carrick, Carick, Carich, Carrich, Karryck, Karrik, Karrick, Kerrich, Kerrick, Carrig, Carrigy, McCarrigy and many more.
Early Notables of the McCarrake family (pre 1700)
Another 27 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McCarrake Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the McCarrake family to Ireland
Some of the McCarrake 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 McCarrake family to the New World and Oceana
Many Scots were left with few options other than to leave their homeland for the colonies across the Atlantic. Some of these families fought to defend their newfound freedom in the American
War of Independence. Others went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these families have recently been able to rediscover their roots through
Clan societies and other Scottish organizations. 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 McCarrake 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.