Surname Carrol - Meaning and Origin

Carrol: What does the surname Carrol mean?

Carrol is an Irish surname, originally derived from the Gaelic name "Cearbhaill", which signifies a warrior or champion. The name consists of two elements - "Cearbh," which denotes "hacking," illustrating the action of a warrior, and "all," meaning "mighty" or "powerful." Therefore, the holistic interpretation of Carrol in a literal sense becomes "a strong warrior" or "mighty champion." It has been noted that the name was particularly famous among the local chieftains of Leinster, an ancient province situated in Ireland. Over time, there were different variations in the spelling of the surname due to the phonetic interpretation of the name. Some of these variations include Carroll, Carrell, and others. It's important to note that due to regional dialects and local nuances, the meaning of the name might slightly differ in various contexts or locations.

Carrol: Where does the name Carrol come from?

The last name Carroll originates from Ireland and is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name O'Cearbhaill, meaning "valorous in battle". The name is primarily associated with counties Tipperary and Monaghan in Ireland, highlighting the two distinct septs (family groups) of the surname. The Irish term 'O' meant 'descendant of', indicating it was a hereditary surname.

In the 17th century, many Irish families emigrated to America to escape poverty and political discrimination. The Carrolls were among them, and so the name is relatively common in the United States. According to recent U.S census data, Carroll is ranked at 247 for the most common surnames.

The name is also reasonably common in England, Canada, and Australia, partly due to later waves of Irish immigration. Despite its worldwide spread, Carroll remains an iconic Irish surname, particularly associated with counties Tipperary and Monaghan. Its enduring connection to its Gaelic roots is embodied in the family's motto, "In Fide et in Bello Fortis," meaning "Strong in Faith and in War."

Variations of the surname Carrol

The surname "Carrol" is an anglicized variant with Irish origins. This surname can be represented with various spellings and variations, including Carroll, Caroll, Carrell, Caryl, Carole, Carrel, Carrell, Carol, Cariel, and Caryle.

The surname Carroll, a more common variant, has a rich history and is thought to originate from the Gaelic O'Cearbhaill, meaning "a descendant of Cearbhall". Cearbhall was a popular medieval Irish personal name, meaning "hack" or "slash".

Occasionally, the surname is also found as MacCarroll, with the Mac prefix indicating "son of". Other less common variations might include Karyl, Karrel, and Karroll.

Another variant could be Carvill or Carville in Northern Ireland. Some of these variations have likely evolved due to regional pronunciations or translations, while others may have been altered over generations for simplicity or uniqueness.

Furthermore, the surname Carrol, like many surnames, may possess spelling variations brought about during the era when the spelling of names was not yet standardized.

Bear in mind that much of this information is subject to interpretation, as many of these names have evolved over centuries and are impacted by region, translation, and individual family history.

Famous people with the name Carrol

• Lewis Carroll: Famous for writing "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass".
• Madeleine Carroll: Renowned British actress who starred in Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps".
• Andrea Carroll: American pop singer popular in the 1960s.
• Jim Carroll: An American author, poet, and punk musician, best known for his book "The Basketball Diaries".
• Patricia Carroll: British television actress and pianist.
• Priscilla Carroll: Australian actress known for her roles in "Koala Brothers" and "Snobs".
• Lydia Carroll: Indian actress recognized for her roles in Bollywood films such as "Goa Goa".
• Jonathan Carroll: An American author of modern fantasy and slipstream novels.
• Barbara Carroll: American jazz pianist and vocalist.
• David Carroll: American Broadway performer who won a Drama Desk Award for his role in "Grand Hotel".
• John Carroll: American actor and singer known for his work in Western films during the 1930s and 1940s.
• Pete Carroll: Current head coach of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks.
• Adam Carroll: Irish singer-songwriter.
• Bill Carroll: Canadian television and radio personality.
• Tom Carroll: Australian surfer, two-time winner of the World Surf League.
• Diahann Carroll: An American actress and singer, who made history as the first black woman to star in a non-servant role in a TV series (Julia).

Other surnames

CarrocanCarroganCarroghanCarroleCarrollCarrollyCarronCarroonCarrow