Carey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Carey

What does the name Carey mean?

The Carey surname is thought to be derived from the manor of Carrey, near Lisieux, Normandy. Some instances of this name come from Welsh and Cornish origins and are variations of the name Carew. Most of the Irish variations of this name are Anglicized forms of the Gaelic Ó Ciardha.

Early Origins and Etymology of Carey

The surname Carey was first found in Somerset, at Castle Cary, a market town and civil parish in south Somerset. The place dates back to at least the Domesday Book where it was listed as Cari 1 and later in 1237, the place was recorded as Castelkary. It is generally believed that the castle was built by Walter of Douai (c.1046-1107), a Norman knight. The place was named after the River Cary. 2

John Cary (d. 1395?), was an early English judge, son of Sir John Cary, (d.1371), knight, bailiff of the forest of Selwood in Wiltshire, knight of the shire for Devon in 1362 and 1368. The young John Cary was created Chief Baron of the Exchequer 5 Nov. 1386, but two years later was impeached. "He was condemned to death, but the sentence having been commuted for one of banishment, he was transported to Waterford and confined within a circuit of two miles round the city. He died about 1395 or 1396. His estates at Torrington and Cockington, which had been confiscated, were restored to his son, probably in 1402." 3

Again in Devon, we find "the extensive parish of St. Giles-in-the-Wood, so called to distinguish it from St. Giles-in-the-Heath, which lies on the borders of Cornwall, and which contains the manor of Cary, reputedly the original home of the Cary family." 4

"Castle Cary probably derived its name from an ancient castle originally belonging to a lord of the name of Carey, which was defended against King Stephen by its owner, Lord Lovell, one of whose descendants having embraced the cause of the deposed monarch, Richard II., it became forfeited to the crown. " 5

Also in early days, the family was found at Leppington in the East Riding of Yorkshire. "The Carey family formerly possessed a castellated mansion here, and a member of it was created Baron Carey, of Leppington, in 1622, but the title became extinct about the period of the Restoration. " 5 Other early records were found in Guernsey.

Early History of the Carey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Carey research. Another 93 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1205, 1242, 1288, 1348, 1387, 1393, 1419, 1524, 1575, 1580, 1596, 1608, 1610, 1615, 1621, 1622, 1624, 1629, 1633, 1634, 1643, 1644, 1645, 1654, 1656, 1658, 1659, 1662, 1663, 1666, 1677, 1680, 1681, 1688, 1689, 1693, 1694, 1715 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Carey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Carey Spelling Variations

Norman surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are largely due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England, as well as the official court languages of Latin and French, also had pronounced influences on the spelling of surnames. Since medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings. The name has been spelled Carey, Carrie, Carrey, Cary and others.

Early Notables of the Carey family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Carey, Baily of Guernsey
Henry Carey (circa 1524-1596), 1st Baron Hunsdon, an English army officer, diplomat, and politician, and a nephew of Anne Boleyn
Henry Carey, 1st Viscount Falkland (c. 1575-1633), an English landowner and politician, Lord Deputy of Ireland (1622-1629)
Henry Carey, 1st Earl of Dover (ca.1580-1666), an English peer
John Carey, 2nd Earl of Dover (1608-1677), an English peer
Patrick Cary (Carey) (c.1624-1658), an English poet, early user in English of the triolet form

Carey World Ranking

In the United States, the name Carey is the 627^th most popular surname with an estimated 47,253 people with that name. 6 However, in Canada, the name Carey is ranked the 979^th most popular surname with an estimated 5,513 people with that name. 7 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Carey is the 674^th popular surname with an estimated 65 people with that name. 8 Australia ranks Carey as 388^th with 9,529 people. 9 New Zealand ranks Carey as 557^th with 1,264 people. 10 The United Kingdom ranks Carey as 542^nd with 11,962 people. 11

Migration of the Carey family to Ireland

Some of the Carey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 193 words (14 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Carey migration to the United States +

Many English families emigrated to North American colonies in order to escape the political chaos in Britain at this time. Unfortunately, many English families made the trip to the New World under extremely harsh conditions. Overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the stormy Atlantic. Despite these hardships, many of the families prospered and went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the United States and Canada. Early North American immigration records have revealed a number of people bearing the name Carey or a variant listed above:

Carey Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Sarah Carey, who landed in America in 1620 12
Brid Carey, who arrived in Virginia in 1652 12
Edward Carey, who landed in Virginia in 1652 12
William Carey, who settled in Virginia in 1653
Tho Carey, who landed in Virginia in 1653 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Carey Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Peter Carey, who settled in Isle Grole in 1710
Edward Carey, who landed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1766 12
Dennis Carey, who landed in America in 1795 12

Carey Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Hugh Carey, who arrived in America in 1806 12
Richard Carey, who arrived in New York, NY in 1811 12
Richard Y Carey, aged 24, who landed in South Carolina in 1812 12
Margaret Bell Carey, aged 40, who landed in Massachusetts in 1813 12
Michael Carey, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1816 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Carey migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Carey Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Peter Carey, who settled in Isle Grole, Newfoundland, in 1710 13
Katha Carey, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
Dennis Carey was a mason in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1771 13
Dennis Carey was on record in St. John's, Newfoundland in 1771 13
Mr. Thomas Carey U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1783 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Carey Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Florance Carey, aged 25, who arrived in Canada in 1823
John Carey, who landed in Canada in 1823
Thomas Carey and his wife Esther settled in Quebec in 1825 with their eight children
Isaac Carey, who landed in Canada in 1828
William Carey, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1829
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Carey migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Carey Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century

Mr. John Carey, (b. 1752), aged 45, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 14 years for felony, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1823 15

Carey Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Miss Catherine Carey, British Convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Experiment" on 4th December 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Miss Mary Ann Carey, English convict who was convicted in Devon, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Canada" in March 1810, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 17
Mr. James Carey, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Earl St Vincent" on 6th April 1820, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 18
Mr. John Carey, (Cary), (b. 1809), aged 14, Irish tailor who was convicted in Cork, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Castle Forbes" on 28th September 1823, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1826 19
John Carey, a weaver, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Carey migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Carey Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Nicholas Carey, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
Mr. G. Carey, Australian settler travelling from Melbourne, Victoria aboard the ship "Drover" arriving in Invercargill, Southland, South Island, New Zealand on 4th September 1863 20
Mr. Thomas Carey, (b. 1818), aged 45, British shoemaker travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Lancashire Witch" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 13th October 1863 20
Mrs. Emily Carey, (b. 1820), aged 43, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Lancashire Witch" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 13th October 1863 20
Miss Emily Carey, (b. 1847), aged 16, British domestic servant travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Lancashire Witch" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 13th October 1863 20
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Carey migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 21

Carey Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Richard Carey and his wife Elizabeth, who arrived in Barbados in 1680

Contemporary Notables of the name Carey (post 1700) +

Mariah Carey (b. 1970), American singer/songwriter who has won five Grammy Awards, nineteen World Music Awards, ten American Music Awards, and fifteen Billboard Music Awards, inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
Mary "Pepper" Carey (1925-1977), American utility infielder who played from 1946 through 1954 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
Jade Ashtyn Carey (b. 2000), American artistic gymnast who represented the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics and 2024 Summer Olympics
Henry Charles Carey (1793-1879), American economist and publisher, born in Philadelphia; he published several influential volumes on American economic policy
Ian Carey (1975-2021), stage name of Ian Harshman, an American house DJ, musician, and record producer based in Miami, Florida United States
Paul Carey (1928-2016), American broadcaster and sportscaster, inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame
Ron Carey (1935-2007), American film and television actor and a member of Mel Brooks' comedy troupe
Drew Carey (b. 1958), American comedian, actor, photographer, and game show host
Mathew Carey (1760-1839), Irish-born, American journalist and publisher
Clare Carey (b. 1967), American film and television actress
... (Another 20 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Carey family +

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Thomas Leslie Carey (1900-1941), Australian Chief Petty Officer Cook from Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 22
Mr. Henry Robert Joseph Carey (1921-1941), Australian Able Seaman from Black Rock, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 22

HMS Dorsetshire

David Haversham Carey, British Midshipman aboard the HMS Dorsetshire (1945) when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he survived the sinking 23

HMS Hood

Mr. Daniel A B Carey (b. 1902), Welsh Supply Assistant serving for the Royal Navy from Bedwellty, Monmouthshire, Wales, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 24
Mr. Arthur T Carey (b. 1900), English Ordinary Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 24

USS Arizona

Mr. Francis Lloyd Carey, American Storekeeper Third Class from New York, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 25

Sources +

Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
Worth, R.N., A History of Devonshire London: Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.G., 1895. Digital
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel-and-experiment
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 9th December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/canada
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 10th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-st-vincent
Convict Records of Australia. Retreived 2nd January 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/castle-forbes
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
Force Z Survivors HMS Dorsetshire Crew List, (Retrieved 2018, February 13th), https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listdorsetshirecrew.html
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html