Origin & Meaning of the Carey Surname
What does the last name Carey mean?
The surname Carey carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 56,322 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Carey ranks as the #601 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Carey come from?
The Carey surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Carey name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Carey trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Carey |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin and meaning under research |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Language | Unknown |
| US Rank (2010) | #601 |
| US Count (2010) | 56,322 |
| Per 100K People | 19.09 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Carey
According to the US Census, the Carey surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 56,322 Americans with the Carey last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.9% |
| Black | 13.52% |
| Hispanic | 2.25% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.6% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 2.05% |
Popularity of Carey Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Carey surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Carey surname increased by 1,398 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Carey Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Carey ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Carey Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Carey Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Carey
- ✓ The Carey coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Carey families live today
- ✓ Notable Carey bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Carey
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Carey.
Other Unknown Surnames
Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Carey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carey
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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