Surname Carney - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling Ancestry Through iGENEA: A Journey into the Heart of the Carney Surname

Going through a DNA test with iGENEA has been a rewarding experience full of surprising revelations. From a heightened sense of Irish ancestry to discovering Viking lineage under the surname ‘Carney’, the test has transformed my view of my family and our heritage.

M. Carney

Carney: What does the surname Carney mean?

The surname Carney is of Irish origin and derives from the Gaelic "Ó Catharnaigh," meaning "descendant of Catharnach." The name Catharnach itself means "warlike" or "warrior," suggesting that families with the Carney name may have a history of fighting or military service in their ancestry. The name Carney is predominantly found in the provinces of Connacht and Ulster in Ireland. Over the years, due to widespread Irish emigration, the name has also become common in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. It's important to note that variations of the name Carney can include Kearney, Carney, and Carny, among others. Remember, the meaning of a surname can vary based on geographical and historical contexts.

Carney: Where does the name Carney come from?

The last name Carney is of Irish origin. It has two possible interpretations. Firstly, it may derive from the Gaelic 'O Catharnaigh,' meaning 'descendant of Catharnach,' itself meaning 'warlike' or 'warrior.' Secondly, it could be a transformation of the Gaelic name 'Mac Cearnaigh' meaning 'son of the victorious one.'

The Carney surname is spread out across the world today due to the large Irish diaspora, but it is particularly common in the United States and still remains prevalent in Ireland as well. In America, it is especially prevalent in states like New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Illinois. Overall, Carney is the 1,189th most popular surname in the United States. Despite the dispersion, Ireland continues to have the highest number of individuals with the Carney surname per capita.

Variations of the surname Carney

The surname Carney is of Irish origin and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "Ó Cearnaigh", derived from the word "cearnach" meaning victorious or triumphant. The name emerges from two distinct clans from different regions - the counties Mayo and Sligo in the north and Kerry in the south.

Variations and alternative spellings of the surname Carney include Kearney, Carne, Carnie, Kearny, and Carny. In its original Irish form, it can also be found as O'Kearney, O'Cearnaigh or Ó Cearnaigh.

In some cases, it may also have been used as an Americanized form of the German surname "Karn", or a varient of "Carne" from Cornish origin. However, these usages are less common.

Like many surnames, Carney’s spelling and pronunciation have been altered over time and place, including as people emigrated and adapted to new languages and cultures. Each variation, wherever it is found, has its own unique history and derivation. As a result, the surname, in its various forms, can be found in many different countries around the world today.

Famous people with the name Carney

• Art Carney: An American actor and comedian known for his role on the television series "The Honeymooners."
• Martha Carney: A British journalist, who previously presented "The World at One" on BBC Radio 4.
• Jay Carney: Former White House Press Secretary for President Barack Obama and current senior vice president at Amazon.
• John Carney: An Irish film and television director, known for films like "Once," "Begin Again," and "Sing Street."
• Garry Carney: A former professional Australian rules footballer.
• Barney Carney: An Irish hurler.
• Bud Carney: An American professional baseball player.
• Jennifer Carney: An American author who writes under the pen name J.Lynn.
• Mark Carney: A Canadian economist and banker, who served as the Governor of the Bank of England and Chairman of the G20's Financial Stability Board.
• Pat Carney: A Canadian journalist, politician, and Senator.
• Reese Carney: An American actress known for her role in "The Young and the Restless".
• Stephen Carney: A Danish-Gambian footballer.
• Carl Carney: A jazz saxophonist and member of Duke Ellington's orchestra.
• Reeve Carney: An American actor and singer-songwriter, known for his role as Peter Parker in the Broadway musical "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark."

Other surnames

CarneCarnealCarnebelickeCarneckyCarnegieCarnelCarnellCarnes