Careys

Careys is a surname of English and Irish origin. The name is believed to derive from the given name Cary, which itself has multiple possible origins. One theory suggests it comes from the Old English personal name *Carig*, meaning "dweller by the stony place" or "dweller by the fortress." Another possibility is that it is an Anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic *Ó Ciardha*, meaning "descendant of Ciardha," where *Ciardha* is a personal name meaning "dark" or "dusky."

The surname is found throughout England, and historical records indicate its presence in various counties from the medieval period onwards. In Ireland, the Careys are associated with several regions, particularly in the southwest, stemming from the aforementioned Gaelic roots.

Notable individuals with the surname Careys include figures in literature, politics, and sports. The distribution of the surname globally reflects historical migration patterns, with significant populations of Careys found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name remains a common patronymic in English-speaking countries.