Surname Carew - Meaning and Origin
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Carew: What does the surname Carew mean?
The surname Carew is of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh word "caer" meaning "fortress" and the Old English word "w(e)i" meaning "holy" or "sacred". Therefore, the name essentially refers to someone who resides near a sacred or holy fortress. It's also believed to be a locational surname, originating from the village of Carew in the county of Pembrokeshire, Southwest Wales, where the infamous Carew Castle stands. Over the centuries, the name has been used by several notable families in England and Ireland. In fact, the Carews of Ireland claim descent from the Norman de Carru family, who came to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066. They were subsequently awarded lands in Ireland by Strongbow, the Earl of Pembroke, for their service. However, like many surnames, the exact meaning and origin can differ slightly based on regional variations and historical context.
Order DNA origin analysisCarew: Where does the name Carew come from?
The surname Carew is of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh place name "Caeriw," which translates to "fort by the Riw" (a river in Wales). Nobles in Pembrokeshire, Wales, initially adopted the surname in the Middle Ages. The Carew Castle in Wales also carries the same name. Over the centuries, the surname spread throughout the United Kingdom and later to other English-speaking countries as a result of migration.
The surname Carew is now most common in the United Kingdom, specifically in England and Wales, due to its historical ties with these locations. It can also be found in Ireland, as some members of the family relocated there during the Norman invasion period. Additionally, the name has a significant presence in the United States and other English-speaking countries like Australia and Canada, a result of historical emigration patterns. Despite this global spread, the name Carew is still less common compared to many other surnames.
Variations of the surname Carew
The surname Carew is of old Welsh and Norman origin. This surname has seen many variations and adaptations over the centuries due to its racial history, linguistics, and migration patterns. Some of these variants and spellings for Carew include Carrew, Carroo, Caroe, Carou, Caru, Carue, Carewe, Carowy, Caroow, Carow, and Caryw among others.
As for surnames of the same origin, it can be linked to other surnames that are connected to geographical locations, as Carew is derived from the Welsh word "Caeriw" meaning "fort or castle by the water". Such similar surnames include Cardew, Cerwi, and Caerau, all also associated with specific locations in Wales. Surname variants could also be found based on different occurrence and syntax in different languages and regions. Plus, surnames with a common Norman origin could be considered to have the same origin.
Surnames often were derived according to an individual’s profession, location, or personal characteristics in ancient times. Therefore, any other names that follow this pattern and show Welsh or Norman ancestry can potentially be referred to as of the same origin as Carew.
Famous people with the name Carew
- Rod Carew: An iconic figure in the world of Major League Baseball, he played for the Minnesota Twins and California Angels. Carew was a first-ballot inductee in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Joey Carew: Former West Indies cricketer who played from the early 1960s to the late 1970s, taking part in nineteen Test matches.
- Richard Carew: An English translator, antiquary, and Member of Parliament from the 16th century, best known for his "Survey of Cornwall."
- Thomas Carew: An English poet of the 17th century, who belonged to the Cavalier Poets' group.
- Jan Carew: A Guyanese novelist, playwright, and essayist, renowned for his works like "Wild Coast" and "Black Midas."
- Elias Annes Borger: Also known as Elias Carew, a Dutch theologian and poet.
- Molly Carew: A UK-based actress known for the movies "A Slip in Time" and "Morning Will Come."
- John Carew: A former professional footballer from Norway who played forward and had an illustrious career spanning across several high-profile European clubs.
- Michelle Carew: Daughter of Rod Carew, she was known for her brave battle with leukemia, leading to increased awareness about the disease and the need for bone marrow donors.