Origins of the Carr surname

What does the name Carr mean?

Carr is a surname that has arisen independently in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. In England it is believed to have a Scandinavian origin, from the Old Norse word 'kjarr' (swamp), relating to someone who lived in or near swampy land. In Scotland it can come from the Gaelic 'ciar' (dusky) and would be a descriptive name given to people who were particularly dark in complexion, where it is more often seen as 'Kerr' or 'Ker'. It can also come from the Welsh 'cawr' (giant), given to those who were physically large (and sometimes small as an ironic name) in stature. Similarly, in Ireland the Gaelic 'gearr' (short of height) could be given to people who were particularly large or small, and their descendants.

Alternative variations of the name Carr

Carr, Car, Ker, Karr, Kerr