Surname Carroll - Meaning and Origin

A Deeper Dive into My Heritage: The Carroll Surname Through an iGENEA DNA Test

Reflecting on my recent DNA test with iGENEA, I realize how the technical and accurate evaluations have enlightened my understanding of the Carroll surname's heritage. The scientific research process provided an intriguing delve into genetic markers, tracing my Carroll lineage back to the very roots.

A. Carroll

Carroll: What does the surname Carroll mean?

The surname Carroll is derived from the old Gaelic name O'Cearbhaill, which is composed of two parts. The prefix "O" means descendants or grandson of, indicating its patronymic origin. "Cearbhaill" is then the personal name the family tree sprung from. It is believed to come from "Cearbh," which means "hacking with a weapon," hinting at warfare or battle and "gall," understood to mean "valor" or "bravery." Therefore, the surname Carroll carries the meaning of "descendants of the brave or valiant in battle." It has its roots in Ireland, being particularly common in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. It is one of the most ancient and illustrious surnames in Ireland with several significant historical figures carrying the name. In some cases, the name could also be of English origin, derived from the Anglo-Norman French "carol", a popular medieval name used to denote a pleasant-sounding person. However, this variant is less common.

Carroll: Where does the name Carroll come from?

The surname Carroll originates from Ireland. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Cearbhaill" and is said to mean "hacking with a weapon". The Carroll surname has historical importance in Ireland; some notable bearers include Ely Carroll, the King of Éile in Southern Offaly, and Charles Carroll, one of the signatories of the American Declaration of Independence.

Today, Carroll remains a common surname in Ireland. Nonetheless, due to the mass Irish diaspora during the Great Famine in the 19th century, the Carroll name spread across the globe. Therefore, it is also prevalent in countries where the Irish settled, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. As a result, it is utilized as first name and surname in these countries. Thus, while the Carroll surname principally marks Irish descent, it has become global due to historical circumstances and migration.

Famous people with the name Carroll

• John Carroll: an American Jesuit priest, first Catholic bishop and archbishop in the United States
• Madeline Carroll: an American actress, known for roles in fims such as Stormbreaker and Eloise at Christmastime
• Lewis Carroll: an English writer, mathematician, logician, Anglican deacon and photographer best known for his novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
• Bill Carroll: an Irish-born Canadian radio personality
• Jim Carroll: an American author, poet, autobiographer, and punk musician
• Corey Carroll: an American actor and comedian, best known for his series regular role on the ABC comedy series The Middle
• Chris Carroll: an American singer-songwriter and actor
• Savannah Carroll: an American country music artist
• Nick Carroll: an Australian surfer, journalist, filmmaker and author
• P.J. Carroll: an American entertainment executive and game show producer best known for working on the game shows such as The Price Is Right and Let's Make a Deal

Other surnames

CarrocanCarroganCarroghanCarrolCarroleCarrollyCarronCarroonCarrow