Surname Carteret - Meaning and Origin
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Carteret: What does the surname Carteret mean?
The surname Carteret is of norman-French origin, and is a locational name derived from the place called Carteret in Manche, Normandy. The place name Carteret is cognate to “carlet,” or “carter,” a term for the driver of a cart. Thus, the surname Carteret can be understood to mean something along the lines of "one who drives a cart" or "resides at or near the place of carlets." It is also notably associated with Sir George Carteret, a royalist statesman in Jersey during England’s Civil War, who was given the American territory now known as New Jersey in recognition of his loyalty to the crown. The name Carteret thus carries connotations of nobility, history, and profession.
Order DNA origin analysisCarteret: Where does the name Carteret come from?
The surname Carteret is of French origin, specifically from the Channel Island of Jersey. It is thought to be derived from the Old Norse terms "Karl" meaning a man and "ey" meaning island. The Carterets were an important and influential family in Jersey for many centuries, holding high positions in local governance. Sir George Carteret, in particular, was a notable figure who was the Bailiff of Jersey and later helped to fund the resettlement of the American colonies; New Jersey was named after the island in thanks for his efforts.
While the Carteret surname is no longer prevalent in Jersey today, it has traveled to several locations throughout the world due to emigration. It is found in varying numbers in the United States of America (especially in New Jersey), the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. However, it is not particularly common in any specific geographic area. The name's legacy remains in various place names, such as Carteret County in North Carolina, USA.
Variations of the surname Carteret
Carteret is a surname of Norman origin, derived from the place name Carteret in Normandy, France. Variants and alternative spellings of Carteret could include Cartaret, Carterett, Cartrett, and Cartwright. The changes in the spelling of the surname include phonetic variations, regional language influences, and even translations. For example, Cartwright might be an English translation of Carteret as both names may refer to the occupation of someone who makes carts.
Please note though that these variants and assumptions about possible translations are speculative, as patterns of surname development and transformation are complex and often unique to each name and family history. Also keep in mind that although some surnames may appear similar and might be mistaken for variations, they might not necessarily share the same origin. A genealogical or historical record research could provide more precise details regarding the surname Carteret and its possible variants.
This name is also related to the Barons Carteret, a title in the Peerage of England, and as such it carries a historical and noble connotation.
Famous people with the name Carteret
- Sir George Carteret (1610-1680): He was an English statesman and royalist military leader during the English Civil War. He was also one of the original Lords Proprietors of the Carolina colony in North America.
- Philippe de Carteret (1733-1796): He was a British naval officer and explorer who undertook two significant voyages of discovery in the Pacific Ocean.
- Elias de Carteret: He was a French knight who was known to have started the Carteret family line in England when he moved there in 1191.
- John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville (1690–1763): He was a British statesman and diplomat and an important figure leading up to the Seven Years War. He was also the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
- Sir Philip Carteret Silvester (1901: 1981): A British landowner and member of the British Union of Fascists party.
- Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester (1724-1808): Although his last name is not Carteret, his mother was Catherine Carteret, and he inherited his title as 1st Baron Dorchester from his uncle, the aforementioned John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville. Guy Carleton was a successful soldier and governor during early Canadian history.