Carswell

Carswell is a surname of Scottish origin that derives from the Old Gaelic name "Cairns Uallas," meaning "fort of the stream." The name likely originated as a locational surname for individuals who resided near a fort situated by a stream.

The surname Carswell has been predominantly found in the western parts of Scotland, particularly in the historical county of Renfrewshire. It is a relatively uncommon surname, but individuals bearing this name can be found across the United Kingdom and in other English-speaking countries where Scottish migration has occurred.

Notable individuals with the surname Carswell include Douglas Carswell, a British politician who served as a Member of Parliament, and Roddy Carswell, a Scottish former rugby union player.

The variation in spelling of the surname, such as Carsewell or Carsuel, is indicative of the challenges in standardizing surname spellings in previous centuries. Variants may have arisen due to regional accents, illiteracy, or clerical errors in official documents.

In conclusion, the surname Carswell is a reminder of Scotland's rich history and its influence on British surnames. Its origins in the landscapes and fortifications of Scotland provide a glimpse into the ancestral roots of those who bear this name.

There are approximately 1,936 people named Carswell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,326th most common surname in Britain. Around 30 in a million people in Britain are named Carswell.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Anne
  • Caroline
  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elaine
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Jean
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.