The O'Kearys, in Irish O’Ciardha, who in later times always used the anglicized form Carey, belonged to the southern Ui Neill and were lords of Carbury (Co. Kildare) until dispersed by the invasion of the Anglo-Normans. Carey, however, has also been used as the anglicized form of several other Gaelic patronymics. Besides the now almost extinct surname MacFhiachra formerly both of Tyrone and Galway, Carey found as a synonym of Kerin i.e. O’Ceinin in Mayo and O’Ciarain in Co. Cork. It is also used as the English form of MacGiolla Ceire which is sometimes further corrupted to Carr in Co. Galway.

Carr, however, when not of English origin, more often represents O’Carra (Co. Galway) and Mac Giolla Chathair (Co. Donegal). The name Carey, arising from these different origins, is now numerous and widespread: it is found more in the Munster counties of Cork, Kerry and Tipperary than elsewhere.

The three brothers John Carey (1756-1826), classical scholar and inventor of the shipwreck rocket, William Carey (1759-1839), and Matthew Carey (1760-1839), authors of note, were all born in Dublin as was James Carey (1845-1883), the "Invincible" who informed on his comrades after the Phoenix park murders and was subsequently shot in reprisal.

Carey Clan Motto: "sine macula" (Without stain)

The History of the Carey Family of Guernsey

The Carey Family Research Page