Surname Carthainn - Meaning and Origin
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Carthainn: What does the surname Carthainn mean?
The surname Carthainn is an Irish-Gaelic name derived from the Old Irish elements "Cairt" meaning "a cart" and "Fhainn" meaning "white". This indicates that its original bearers were associated with or named for the transportation of goods. In ancient times, carts were often used by traders to transport goods between one marketplace and another.
The surname may also be associated with the ancient kingdom of Cairtre Fhainn (today’s Co. Meath and Kings County) which was referred to in the Annals of the Four Masters from 975 onwards. The kingdom of Cairtre Fhainn was one of the five concentric circles of tuatha (or tribes) that dictated the governance of the region in the early medieval period.
Other variants of the name include Carthan, Chartan, and MacCarthan. It is found in both Ireland and Scotland with many bearers of the name found in East Galway and Belfast.
The surname Carthainn represents an enduring tribute to the ancient warriors of an ancient land, memorializing their rich history and deep roots in the Celtic culture. Bearers of the name carry with them an Irish legacy of strength, survival, and nobility.
Order DNA origin analysisCarthainn: Where does the name Carthainn come from?
The last name Carthainn is most commonly found today in the United States, England, Scotland, and Ireland. It is most prevalent in the United States due to immigration.
In the United States, it is estimated that over 3,000 people carry the last name. Most of them are concentrated in states such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia. Some of them are also found throughout the Midwestern and Western states.
In England, Carthainn may be found mostly in London and other parts of the Midlands and South East, and a smaller number in parts of the North and West of the country. This is due to the fact that many English people migrated over to the United States in the early 20th century.
In Scotland, the last name is found in pockets throughout the country but is most prevalent in urban areas, particularly Edinburgh.
In Ireland, there are pockets of the surname throughout the country but it is most common in Northern Ireland. This is largely due to migration from Scotland.
Overall, the surname Carthainn is most common in the United States and its origins largely lie in the British Isles, where it can still be found today in pockets in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Variations of the surname Carthainn
The surname Carthainn has multiple variants in spelling as well as alternative surnames of the same origin.
The most common variants of the name Carthainn are: Carhays, Carhayes, Carhayne, Carthayns, Caerhian, and Caeerhainn. Although these names may appear different, they all derive from the same root origin.
In some documents, the variant Cairhien can be found which can also be spelt Carehian, Cairhian, Carehain, and Cerhain. This name originates from the Old Irish word ‘Catharbhain’ meaning ‘strong warrior’.
Other surnames of the same origin include Carthan, Cairthian, Carrhen, Kairhain, Annand, Kyrie, Arthian, O'Kyrien, Keary, Kryan, Cairne, and Cern.
According to Etymonline.com, the Irish Gaelic form of Carthainn, which is ‘Carbhun’, is close in pronunciation to the old Scottish Gaelic and Welsh forms of the word. The old Scottish Gaelic form of the word is ‘Cairbhach/Cairbhain’ and the old Welsh form is ‘Cyfierthain’.
It is worth noting that the surname is not commonly found in Northern Ireland or Scotland, but are widely found in the Republic of Ireland. Variations of the name are found in other parts of the world including USA, Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Carthainn
- Liam Carthainn: Irish professional footballer who currently plays for League of Ireland Premier Division team Bohemians.
- Niamh Carthainn: Irish actress who appeared in the feature film Lorraine and Bill.
- Oisín Carthainn: Irish singer songwriter who has supported the likes of Gavin James and The Script.
- Aoife Carthainn: Irish traditional musician from County Kerry who has performed as part of Riverdance.
- Clodagh Carthainn:Irish television presenter who has presented travel shows and documentaries such as The Great European Adventure.
- Colm Carthainn: Irish sports commentator and analyst who won a European Golden Boot award for his work on Soccer Safari in 2018.
- Dermot Carthainn: Irish sculptor whose works are held in the collections of the National Gallery of Ireland and the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork.
- Edel Carthainn: Irish professional dancer who has worked with West End shows and taught in Irish colleges.
- Eithne Carthainn: Irish actress who has starred in a number of independent films.
- Máire Carthainn: Irish politician and former senator who served in the Seanad from 2016 to 2020.