O'Carroll facts for kids

This page is about Gaelic Irish clan. For name lists, see O'Carroll (surname) and Carroll (surname).

"Ó Cearbhaill" redirects here. Not to be confused with Mac Cearbhaill of Airgíalla.

O'Carroll Ó Cearbhaill
Quick facts for kids Arms of O'Carroll
Country:	Kingdom of Éile
Parent House:	Ciannachta
Titles:	*Kings of Éile
Founder:	Cian mac Ailill Aulom
Final Ruler:	Tiege Cian O'Carroll
Current Head:	Fredrick Arthur O'Carroll
Ethnicity:	Irish
Cadet Branches:	Carrol of Maryland

The O'Carroll clan (also known as Ó Cearbhaill in Irish) is a famous Gaelic Irish family. You might also know them as Carroll, Carrol, or Carrell. They are the most important group within the Ciannachta family.

Their family history says they are related to the Eóganachta clan. They are believed to be descendants of Ailill Aulom. For many years, from the Middle Ages until 1552, the O'Carrolls ruled a part of the Kingdom of Munster called Éile. The last king, Tiege Cian O'Carroll, gave up his rule to the Tudor Kingdom of Ireland.

What Does the Name O'Carroll Mean?
History of the O'Carroll Clan
- Important Moments in O'Carroll History
- Modern Clan Leadership
The Carrolls in Maryland, USA
Famous O'Carroll Family Members
See also

What Does the Name O'Carroll Mean?

The name Ó Cearbhaill comes from an old Irish name, Cearbhall. This name often means 'valorous in battle' or 'brave in fighting'.

The O'Carroll family was very powerful, especially the group known as the Ely O'Carroll. Their land was called Ely O'Carroll in Éile. There were also other O'Carroll groups in different parts of Ireland, like Dundalk and the Carlow/Kilkenny areas.

Sometimes, the "O'" part of the name is dropped, so it just becomes "Carroll." You might also see it as "Mac" or "Carvill."

History of the O'Carroll Clan

The Carrolls are from ancient Irish families. They started in the old kingdom of Éile, also called Ely. They were a main part of the ruling O'Carroll family.

The Ely O'Carroll family comes from counties Offaly and Tipperary in Ireland. This group is also known as Eile and Clan Cian. A famous descendant, Charles Carroll of Carrollton (1737–1832), was a rich landowner in Maryland, USA. He was one of the people who signed the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. His cousin, Daniel Carroll, also signed the U.S. Constitution.

Some other old family names connected to the Ely O'Carroll group are Bohan/Bowen, Dooley, Meagher/Maher/Mahar/Mahan, Kelly/Kealy, Flanagan, Corcoran, Healy, Nevin, and O'Connor.

Clan Cian was also called the Cianachta, meaning "the Race of Cian." Cian was the youngest son of Olioll Ollum, who was a King of Munster. For over 1500 years, the Cianachta were led by a recognized king, prince, or chief. These leaders were chosen from the O’Carroll-Carroll family and other noble families of Éile.

Around the 5th century, the Cianacht Chief, Éile Righ Derg (Éile, the Red King), ruled the area that became known as Ely O'Carroll. This was to tell it apart from other O'Carroll lands. The Kingdom of Éile was located in what is now Tipperary, Waterford, Offaly, Leix, and Kilkenny.

Cearbhaill (Carroll), son of Aeodh, was the King of Éile around the year 1000. This King Cearbhaill led the Elyans in the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. This was a very important battle with the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru.

Important Moments in O'Carroll History

The O'Carroll family comes from Kean, the third son of Olioll Olum, King of Munster. Teige, Kean's oldest son, was a brave fighter. He helped Cormac Mac Art become the King of Ulster and later the King of Ireland. Cormac gave Teige land in Connaught as a reward.

Cearbhaill, who was many generations after Éile, gave his name to the O'Carrolls. This means "the descendants of Cearbhuill."

Maolroona O'Carroll was a King of Éile. His daughter, Grace, married Ulick Burke. Maolroona O'Carroll fought against the English government and caused them a lot of trouble. He passed away in 1532.

His son, Ferdinando O'Carroll, became the next O'Carroll chief. In 1538, he made an agreement with the English. He agreed that the O'Carrolls would pay taxes and provide soldiers for the King. They also had to provide food for the English leaders when they traveled through Ely O'Carroll.

In 1548, Teige Caoch O'Carroll, Ferdinando's son, fought and drove the English out of his land. But he later gave in and was made Baron of Ely. He was killed by his own family members. His younger brother, William Adhar O'Carroll, then killed Teige's killer. William was made a knight in 1567 and became the Governor of Ely.

Later, Roger O'Carroll lost his lands during the time of Oliver Cromwell. This was because he supported King Charles I. However, his son, Charles O'Carroll, was liked by Kings Charles II and James I. They couldn't give him back his old lands in Ireland. Instead, they gave him large areas of land in Maryland, North America. These lands were named after his lost Irish possessions: Ely O'Carroll and Doughoregan. The third area was called Carrolston.

This Charles O'Carroll also became the Attorney General of Maryland. His family still owns these lands today.

Sir James Carroll was the Mayor of Dublin. He was made a knight in 1609. His father, Thomas O'Carroll, had moved to Dublin because he was having problems with his own family chief.

Donagh, or Denis O'Carroll, had thirty sons. He formed them into a group of horsemen and gave them to the Duke of Ormond to serve King Charles I. One of his sons, Daniel O'Carroll, joined the Spanish army and became a knight. He later became a Lieutenant-Colonel in the British army.

Modern Clan Leadership

Clan Cian was started by the late F. J. O'Carroll, who was the Chief of the Name. Today, Fredrick Arthur O'Carroll is the Chief of the Name. He is supported by his Council of Chieftains. Chief Fred comes from the old Kings and Princes of Éile O'Carroll. The O'Carroll is a recognized member of the Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains.

The name Cianachta means "of the Race of Cian" in Irish. Clan Cian works to protect the history of the Éile O'Carroll Territory and the O'Carroll family. It also includes all related families from Éile O'Carroll and other parts of Ireland and the world.

The Carrolls in Maryland, USA

A part of the Carroll family moved to Colonial Maryland and became important Roman Catholics. They played a big role in creating the United States of America. Charles Carroll of Carrollton signed the United States Declaration of Independence.

His second cousins were Daniel Carroll, who signed the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. Daniel's brother, Bishop John Carroll, was the first Catholic Bishop and Archbishop in the United States. He also founded Georgetown University.

The Carroll family is known for the beautiful homes they built in Maryland. The most famous is Doughoregan Manor, which is still owned by Charles Carroll of Carrollton's descendants. He is buried there. Another early home was the Carroll House in Annapolis. The later Homewood House was where Governor John Lee Carroll was born. It is now part of Johns Hopkins University.

Mount Clare was built by Charles Carroll the Barrister. It is the oldest remaining colonial building in Baltimore City.

Here is a simplified family tree of some important Carrolls:

Daniel O'Carroll of Aghagurty and Litterluna (1642-1688)
- Charles Carroll the Settler (1660-1720)
  - Charles Carroll of Annapolis (1702-1782)
    - Charles Carroll of Carrollton (1737-1832), who signed the United States Declaration of Independence.

* Charles Carroll of Homewood (1775-1825) ** Charles Carroll V (1801-1862) *** John Lee Carroll (1830-1911), who was a Governor of Maryland.

- - Daniel Carroll of Duddington (1707–1734)
    - Charles Carroll of Duddington (1729–1773)

* Daniel Carroll of Duddington (1764-1849) * Charles Carroll of Bellevue (1767-1823) ** Henry Carroll (1772-1820), who was a Secretary to Henry Clay. ** Charles H. Carroll (1794–1865), who was a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. ** William Thomas Carroll (1802–1863), who was the 5th Clerk of the United States Supreme Court. *** Samuel Sprigg Carroll (1831–1893), a brigadier general during the American Civil War.

- Kean Carroll of Aghagurty (1663-1701?)
  - Daniel Carroll I (1696-1751)
    - Daniel Carroll II (1730-1796), who was a member of the Continental Congress.
    - Father John Carroll (1735-1815), who became the first Archbishop of Baltimore.

Famous O'Carroll Family Members

Maol Ruanaidh Cam Ó Cearbhaill (died 1329), a musician.
Daniel O'Carroll (died 1713), a military officer.
Charles Carroll (barrister) (1723–1783), a lawyer in Maryland, USA.
Daniel Carroll (1730–1796), a U.S. politician who signed important documents.
John Carroll (bishop) (1735–1815), the first Catholic Bishop in the United States.
William Carroll (Tennessee politician) (1788–1844), a Governor of Tennessee.
William Henry Carroll (1810–1868), a general in the Confederate Army.
William Carroll (Australian politician) (1872–1936), an Australian senator.
Richard O'Carroll (killed 1916), an Irish Patriot and Union Leader.
Michael O'Carroll (1911-2004), an Irish expert on cars and a TV/Radio reporter.
Julian Carroll (born 1931), a Kentucky senator.
Warren H. Carroll, a Catholic historian and writer.
Mella Carroll (born 1934), the first female judge appointed to a high court in Ireland.
Katharine Bulbulia née O'Carroll (born 1943), an Irish senator.
Brendan O'Carroll (born 1955), an Irish comedian.
Brian Carroll (born 1956), an American businessman.
John O'Carroll (born 1958), a British artist.
Bill Carroll (broadcaster) (born 1959), an American radio personality.
William Allan Carroll (born 1959), a professional ice hockey player.
Sean B. Carroll (born 1960), an American scientist who studies evolution.
Sean M. Carroll (born 1966), an American theoretical physicist.
Will Carroll (born 1970), an American sports writer.
Susie O'Carroll (born 1987), an Irish sportsperson.