Last Name Care

Learn more about the origin of the last name Care

The meaning and origin of the last name Care

The surname Care originates from Old English and Anglo-Saxon roots. It is derived from various places named 'Care' or 'Kar(e)' found in England, such as the village of Careby in Lincolnshire, which means "open land" or "clearing" in Old English, due to its original open fields or cleared woodland areas. The surname Care may also have originated from the Middle English term "carer," meaning a person who takes care of others, implying it could have been an occupational name for those employed as caretakers or nurses. Over time, the spelling variations of the name include Carre, Carrie, and Carye, reflecting changes in pronunciation and transliteration throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Care

The surname Care is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in England, Scotland, and Wales. It originates from various places with this name as a topographic or locative surname, meaning someone who lived near a rocky area, carew or caree being Old English for "rock" or "stony place." The name is also found in Ireland, where it may have been introduced during the Anglo-Norman invasion. In North America, the Care surname can be traced back to early settlers, with significant populations found in Canada and the United States. It is also present in Australia and New Zealand, due to migration from England and Ireland. In some cases, it may have been brought by French colonists from Quebec to Louisiana in the United States, where the surname Carre or Carey can be found. Overall, the distribution of the Care surname reflects historical migrations from Britain to North America and Australia, as well as the Norman conquest of Ireland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Care

The surname Care has several variants and spelling alternatives, primarily due to differences in transcription and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include: Carey, Carrie, Carrey, Carriee, Carree, Cary, Karie, Karey, Caray, and Karey. These variations often arise due to factors such as misinterpretations during the Middle Ages when surnames were first adopted in Europe, or through the influence of local languages and dialects. The most common variant is Carey, which is found primarily among Irish and Scottish populations. It derives from the Gaelic name O'Carraigh, meaning "descendant of Carragh," a personal name derived from carragh (meaning rock or stone fort). Other variants may have different origins, such as geographic locations, occupations, or nicknames, but all are considered forms of the original surname Care.

Famous people with the last name Care

The Care family has produced several notable figures in various fields. In music, Grace Slick, best known for her work with Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship, was born as Grace Barnett Wing, later adopting Care as her stage name. Another famous individual is Carey Mulligan, an English actress who gained prominence for her roles in films like "An Education" and "Suffragette," earning an Academy Award nomination for the latter. In sports, Michael Carey is a former professional basketball player who played for teams like the Seattle SuperSonics and the Sacramento Kings. Lastly, John Carew, a retired Norwegian footballer, spent most of his career playing in England and Spain, including stints with Newcastle United and West Ham United. These individuals have left significant impacts in their respective fields, contributing to a diverse range of cultural and athletic accomplishments associated with the Care surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Care

The surname Care originates from Old French and Old Norse roots, suggesting a possible Norman or Scandinavian influence in its dissemination within England. The name is derived from the Old French 'carré' meaning square or the Old Norse 'kari' meaning freeholder. Over time, various spellings of Care emerged due to phonetic variations and regional dialects, including Carre, Cars, Carrs, and Carey.

The Care family can be traced back to the Norman Conquest in 1066, with one of the earliest known records being Robert de Cares who was granted lands by William the Conqueror. The Careys played significant roles in English history, with Thomas Carew, 1st Baron Carew (1535-1620), serving as a powerful political figure during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I.

The Care lineage can also be found in Ireland, where they arrived as part of the Norman invasion, particularly in County Galway and County Cork. The Irish branch of the family includes Richard Carew (1525-1600), a noted historian and author who chronicled Cornish history in his work "Survey of Cornwall."

Throughout the centuries, the Care name has spread across various regions of England and Ireland, with notable branches also established in Scotland and Wales.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Care"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025