Family History
The Carey surname comes from the Irish Ó Ciardha, meaning "descendant of Ciardha." The personal name Ciardha derives from the Old Irish word ciar, meaning "dark" or "dusky." The Careys were an ancient Gaelic family with several independent branches throughout Ireland, most notably in Counties Laois, Meath, Cork, and Tipperary. Different Carey septs served as local chieftains, hereditary officials, and respected landholders long before the Norman invasion. Despite centuries of political upheaval, the family preserved its Gaelic heritage and spread throughout Ireland and later across North America, Britain, and Australia. Today, Carey remains a well-known Irish surname representing resilience, leadership, and a proud connection to Ireland's ancient clans.
Origins of the Coat of Arms
The Carey coat of arms features a silver shield crossed by a black diagonal band bearing three white roses. The silver field symbolizes sincerity, peace, and integrity, while the black bend represents constancy, wisdom, and steadfastness through adversity. The three white roses are traditional heraldic emblems of hope, honor, purity, and noble achievement. Together these elements reflect the Carey family's reputation for faithful service, perseverance, and honorable conduct across generations. The arms stand as a lasting symbol of one of Ireland's enduring Gaelic families and their rich historical legacy.
Irish Heraldry & Family Heritage
The Carey Coat of Arms
The coat of arms shown here is the heraldic design selected for the
Carey surname in our Irish heritage collection. We use this
artwork to represent historical associations connected with the surname
and to personalize the heritage products offered on this page.
In Irish heraldic practice, coats of arms are granted or confirmed to
specific individuals and corporate bodies. Sharing a surname does not,
by itself, establish a formal right to bear a particular coat of arms.
Heraldic designs may vary between family branches and historical sources.
This artwork is presented as surname-heritage imagery and does not
establish an individual right to bear arms.
