Surname Carnes - Meaning and Origin
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iGENEA DNA Test: An Intimate Journey through my Carnes Heritage
The iGENEA DNA test was far more than a discovery of my genetic history. It became an emotional journey, unveiling the richness of my heritage and the deep soul of the Carnes surname. The Norse roots it revealed encapsulate a tale of continuity, diversity, and inspiration underpinning our shared identity.
P. Carnes
read moreCarnes: What does the surname Carnes mean?
The surname Carnes is of English and Irish origin and exhibits an unusual clan history among the British Isles. In Old English, the term "carn" refers to a pile of stones, often used as a landmark, which can suggest that the bearers of the surname originated from such a geographical feature. A second potential origin of the name can be found in the Irish Gaelic term “cairn”, which has the same meaning. Furthermore, in Scotland, the name can be linked with the Gaelic "carn" referring to someone who lived by a cairn, therefore indicating a relation to a particular place. Over time and with migrations, the name's spelling might have altered leading to variations like Kearns, Kerns, and others. Notably, many Irish immigrants to the U.S during the potato famine in the mid-ninth century had their surnames phonetically transcribed, possibly altering their original spelling. So, essentially, the surname Carnes can be linked to ancestry connected with an identifiable geographical feature.
Order DNA origin analysisCarnes: Where does the name Carnes come from?
The surname Carnes is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic term 'cairn', which translates to 'pile of stones'. In old times, such piles often served as a landmark or a monument. Many who shared the name once lived near distinctive geological features like hills or mounts in Scotland and Ireland. Over time, the name spread to other parts of the world through emigration.
Today, the surname is relatively common in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States. Migration from Scotland and Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries was primarily responsible for the spread of the name, as people sought new opportunities abroad due to economic hardship at home. The last name spread across various states in the U.S, but it's notably prevalent in Pennsylvania, probably due to strong Scottish and Irish immigration in those areas. It also maintains a presence in the United Kingdom, primarily in areas of Scotland and Ireland, and other former British colonies.
Variations of the surname Carnes
The surname Carnes is of Irish origin, derived from O'Cairnaimh and appears in different forms in different regions. The spelling variations of Carnes include Cairns, Cairnes, Carness, Carns, Carins, Carniss, Carnes, Carn, Kearns and Caren.
Each spelling and variant has a unique ring to it. For instance, the surname Kearns, which originated from a Kearney ancestor, is another variation of Carnes used in parts of Ireland. The variant Cairns is commonly used in Scotland, from its Gaelic form, càrn, meaning "pile of stones."
A few other less common spellings are Karnes, Kairnes, Karns, Karins, and Kerens. Some double-barrelled names, combining Carnes with another name also exist, such as Carnes-Smith or Carnes-Jones.
These variants and spellings arose due to differences in pronunciation, dialects, or even birthing and census taker's mistakes or illiteracy where the spellings have been Anglicized. Over time, families under Carnes’ name variations migrated to different regions, and the variations became surnames themselves. The surname, its variants, and spellings thus provide a rich history of the familial and migratory patterns.
Famous people with the name Carnes
- Kim Carnes: An American singer-songwriter noted for her distinctive raspy vocal style. She is best known for her song "Bette Davis Eyes," which was a number one hit in the United States in 1981.
- Seriah Carnes: Known as S.R. Carnes, she is an American author who gained recognition for her novel "The Book of S: A Novel."
- Jessica Carnes: A costume designer and stylist working in the TV and film industry. Her work has been featured in various productions and campaigns.
- Floyd Carnes: A former professional American football player. He played as a halfback for the Boston Redskins in the National Football League (NFL).
- Everett Carnes: Another former professional American football player. He played as a back for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL.
- Bruce Carnes: A former Deputy Under Secretary in the U.S. Department of Education who worked in both the Reagan and Bush administrations.
- Trevor Carnes: A former basketball player who played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers Men's Basketball team.
- Dave Carnes: A former professional baseball player who played in the minor leagues in the early 1960s. Please note that not all people with the last name 'Carnes' is necessarily famous or known globally as public figures. The level of fame may vary significantly.