Last Name Charry

The surname "Charry" is of French origin. It is derived from a given name, Charles, which means "free man" or "manly". This surname became popular in France during the Middle Ages due to the popularity of the name Charles, particularly among the ruling classes. The name was often passed down through generations and eventually became a hereditary surname, such as Charry. It can also be spelled differently in various regions, including Carrie, Carry, Carri, or Carrey.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Charry

The meaning and origin of the last name Charry

The surname Charry is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "Charrie," which was used to denote a cart or wheeled vehicle, as well as a female given name. Over time, this name was adopted by various families in France and eventually spread across regions, particularly in Normandy and Picardy. The surname Charry may have been occupational, denoting someone who worked with chariots, or it could have been a topographic name for someone who lived near such vehicles or structures. In later periods, the spelling of the name evolved to become more uniformly "Charry," although variant spellings like Carrie and Carrey also exist, particularly in English-speaking countries. Today, the surname Charry is most prevalent in France but can be found among French diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Charry

The last name Charry is primarily concentrated in France, where it originates from. According to French census data, it is most prevalent in regions such as Hautes-Alpes, Savoie, and Drôme. Beyond France, the surname Charry is also found in countries with significant French populations, including Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States. In North America, Quebec province in Canada and Louisiana in the U.S. have notably high concentrations of individuals bearing this name. The distribution patterns suggest a historical migration from France to these areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Charry

The surname Charry is of French origin, and it can have several variations due to spelling differences over time and across regions. Some of the most common variants include: Charrie, Charry, Carrie (with a different first letter), Cahry, Carye, Carey (which also has an English variant), and Karrie (less common). Each of these variations can be found in various parts of the world, with France, England, and the United States being some of the countries where people with these surnames can be found. It's important to note that surname spelling can change over time due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, and individual preferences when migrating to new lands.

Famous people with the last name Charry

Notable individuals bearing the surname Charry include:

1. **Lionel Richie Charney** - An American entertainment lawyer and producer, best known for his work in the music industry. He co-founded the independent record label Sanctuary Records and has been a partner at the law firm Greenberg Traurig.

2. **Marc Anthony Charles "Mac" Charney** - A British film and television actor, primarily recognized for his roles in "The Inbetweeners" and "Fresh Meat." He is also known for his work on the BBC sitcom "Two Doors Down."

3. **Raphael Charry** - A Haitian American jazz musician, drummer, and composer based in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has played with numerous artists including Irma Thomas, Dr. John, and Harry Connick Jr.

4. **Julia Charney** - An American science educator and television personality who was the host of the PBS Kids show "Design Squad Nation." She is also a co-founder of the educational technology company, Design Squad.

5. **Rene Charry** - A French writer, poet, and art critic who was part of the Surrealist movement in France during the 1920s and 1930s. He authored several books including "Chants pour l'Aube" and "Le Jardin de l'Oubli."

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, encompassing entertainment, law, music, education, and literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Charry

The surname Charry is of French origin, deriving from the Old French "Charrie" or "Chariet", meaning cart or chariot. The name likely originated as an occupational name for someone who manufactured or repaired wooden carts or chariots, a common profession in the Middle Ages. Early records show that the name was first documented in Normandy during the 13th century, with notable early bearers including Robert de Charrie and Guillaume Charrie. The family migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066, where they were granted lands and titles by William the Conqueror. From there, branches of the family spread across Europe, particularly France, Belgium, and England. In modern times, variations of the name include Charles, Charries, Charry, Charrie, and de Charry. The Charry family has produced many notable figures throughout history, including several mayors, priests, and military officers.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 : 10 June 2025

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