Irish Surname - Carney
The Irish surname Carney is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Cearnaigh, meaning "descendant of Cearnach". The name Cearnach is derived from the Gaelic word cearr, meaning "wrong" or "misdemeanour".
The Carney surname is particularly associated with the counties of Mayo, Sligo, and Roscommon in Ireland. It is also found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, where many Irish immigrants settled.
Famous People with surname Carney
- Art Carney - American actor and comedian best known for his role in the TV series "The Honeymooners".
- John Carney - former Governor of the Bank of England and current Vice Chairman of the private equity firm, The Carlyle Group.
- Leonard Carney - Australian rules footballer who played for the Carlton Football Club in the Australian Football League.
Variations of the surname Carney
- Kearney: This variation of Carney is particularly common in the province of Leinster, especially in counties Dublin and Louth. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Catharnaigh, which means "descendant of Catharnach", where Catharnach is a personal name meaning "warlike". Famous people with this variation include rugby player Rob Kearney and his brother, fellow rugby player Dave Kearney.
- MacCarney: This variation is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Mac Cearnaigh, meaning "son of Cearnaigh". It is particularly common in County Monaghan in Ulster. Notable people with this variation include Irish-American politician Joseph MacCarron.
- O'Carney: This variation is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Cearnaigh, meaning "descendant of Cearnach". It is particularly common in County Roscommon in the province of Connacht. Notable people with this variation include Gaelic football player Ciarán O'Carney.
- Kierney: This variation is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Ciaráin, meaning "descendant of Ciarán", where Ciarán is a personal name meaning "dark-haired". It is particularly common in the province of Munster, especially in County Cork. Notable people with this variation include Irish-American athlete Tom Kierney.
- Carney: This is the most common variation of the name, and it is particularly common in County Mayo in the province of Connacht. The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Cearnaigh, meaning "descendant of Cearnach". Notable people with this variation include actor and comedian Art Carney and politician William Carney.
Carney Coat of Arms
The Carney coat of arms depicts a red shield with a gold chevron, and three gold roses above the chevron. The crest features a silver griffin holding a green branch in its beak.
Carney Motto
The motto reads "Virtute Duce" which translates to "With Virtue for Guide".
Also see the related Kearney Surname.
Please Note
There is often limited information available on a specific coat of arms and motto for an Irish surname. Sometimes there are many variations, sometimes none, we have compiled a representative, but by no means exhaustive, selection. Please visit our Coat of Arms and Motto page for more information.
DNA And Your Irish Roots
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- DNA, Discovery and Functions
- Types of DNA tests
- DNA testing companies
- Y-chromosome and Father's Ancestral Line
- Mitochondrial DNA and Mother's Ancestral Line
- DNA and Ethnicity
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