Carty ~ Ó Cárthaigh

The Story of the Carty Name

Carty is the anglicized form of the Irish Ó Cárthaigh, meaning “descendant of Cárthach.” The personal name Cárthach comes from the Irish cárthach, meaning “loving” or “kind.” The name developed among several Gaelic families, with important branches associated with County Wexford and Connacht.

One of the principal Carty families was associated with County Wexford, where the name was established among the Gaelic families of the southeast. Another important branch was found in County Roscommon, where the family was connected with the O’Rourke dynasty of Connacht. The presence of separate branches helps explain why the surname appears in different parts of Ireland without necessarily indicating a single ancestral line.

The surname was recorded in several forms as Irish names were rendered into English, including Carty, Cartie, Carthy, and O’Carty. Over time, the name became established throughout Ireland, while emigration carried Carty families far beyond their original homes. The Irish form Ó Cárthaigh preserves the connection to the ancient personal name from which the surname developed.

Behind the familiar name Carty lies the story of several Gaelic families rooted in different corners of Ireland. From the fields and villages of Wexford to the ancient territories of Connacht, Ó Cárthaigh became Carty, carrying forward a name whose meaning speaks of kindness and whose history reflects the complex, interconnected world of Gaelic Ireland.