O'Carr History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of O'Carr

What does the name O'Carr mean?

The well known O'Carr surname has long existed in Ireland, and originates from several distinct sources. In County Galway it was an Anglicization of Ó Carra, a patronymic name referring to a descendant of Carra; the word Carra in turn meant "spear." in County Donegal, O'Carr was the Anglicized form of Mac Giolla Chathair. Many who bear the O'Carr name in Ireland are descendents of emigrants of Scottish or English stock, who brought the name with them. In Ireland, many bearers changed their name over time from Kerrane or Kerr to Carr. In turn the name Carr in Ireland has in some instance morphed into Carey.

Early Origins of the O'Carr family

The surname O'Carr was first found in Connacht (Irish: Connachta, (land of the) descendants of Conn), where in 1095, the annals of Loch Cé list the death of Muirchertach Ua Cairre, "steward of Cenél Aengusa and royal heir of Oilech.".

Early History of the O'Carr family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our O'Carr research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1260, 1779, 1849 and 1866 are included under the topic Early O'Carr History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

O'Carr Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Carr, Kerr, O'Carr, O'Carry, MacCarry, Kerrane and many more.

Early Notables of the O'Carr family

Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early O'Carr Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the O'Carr family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Bradbury Carr, a Scotch-Irish settler, who came to New Hampshire in 1732; Andrew Carr, who arrived in New Castle, Delaware in 1789; Dennis Carr, who arrived in New York in 1803.

The O'Carr 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: Fida Clavo
Motto Translation: Sure and Nail