Carmichael Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Carmichael come from? What does the surname Carmichael mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Carmichael and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Carmichael Origin: What does the last name Carmichael mean?
The surname Carmichael is of Scottish origin, deriving from the place name Carmichael in Lanarkshire. It combines the British word caer, meaning "fort," with the personal name Michael. It is also linked to the anglicisation of MacGilleMhicheil. Notable individuals bearing this surname include historical figures like missionary Amy Carmichael and composer Hoagy Carmichael.
YourRoots data indicates that the Carmichael surname has been documented in Scotland since the early 14th century. As time progressed, records show its presence in countries like the United States, highlighting its global dispersal over the ages. Today, the Carmichael surname remains prominent in Scotland and the United States, with a significant presence in countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Carmichael Last Name History: Where did the last name Carmichael come from?
Origin of Carmichael Surname: Where does the last name Carmichael originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Carmichael first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Carmichael spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Carmichael: What does the Carmichael surname history look like in the early days?
The Carmichael surname remained closely associated with Scotland from the 14th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Carmichael family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Carmichael surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Carmichael surname grew significantly in the United States. The Carmichael surname remains prominent in Scotland and the United States. It appears in many countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Carmichael last name heritage and Carmichael surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Carmichael Surame?
Stokely Carmichael
Stokely Standiford Churchill Carmichael (June 29, 1941 – November 15, 1998) was an American activist known for his involvement in the civil rights movement and the global pan-African movement. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, he moved to the U.S. at a young age and became a prominent figure in the Black Power movement. Carmichael played a key role in organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Black Panther Party. He later adopted the name Kwame Ture and continued advocating for revolutionary socialist pan-Africanism. Despite controversy and FBI surveillance, Carmichael/Ture remains a significant figure in the fight for racial equality and justice.
Laura Carmichael
Laura Elizabeth Carmichael (born 16 Jul 1986) is an English actress best known for portraying Lady Edith Crawley in the hit television series Downton Abbey. Her career also includes roles in Marcella, A United Kingdom, and The Secrets She Keeps. Carmichael made her West End debut in Uncle Vanya and has appeared in various other stage productions. She lives in Camden, London, and has been in a relationship with fellow Downton Abbey actor Michael C. Fox since 2014. In 2022, they welcomed their first child together, a son.
Hoagy Carmichael
Hoagland Howard "Hoagy" Carmichael (Nov 22, 1899 – Dec 27, 1981) was an American musician, composer, and songwriter known for hits like "Stardust" and "Georgia on My Mind." He was a pioneer in utilizing new communication technologies in his music, including radio and television. Carmichael also dabbled in acting and writing, with an Academy Award-winning song to his credit. His early life in Indiana and musical collaborations with iconic artists like Louis Armstrong shaped his successful career in the entertainment industry.
Jerrod Carmichael
Rothaniel Jerrod Carmichael (April 6, 1987 - ) is an American comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker. He gained fame with his stand-up comedy specials on HBO and his semi-autobiographical NBC sitcom, "The Carmichael Show." Carmichael has also ventured into film, directing and starring in the dark comedy "On the Count of Three" and appearing in the Academy Award-winning film "Poor Things." Known for his sharp wit and insightful humor, Carmichael has received critical acclaim and accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special.
Caitlin Carmichael
Caitlin Marie Carmichael (born March 2, 2004) is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV shows and movies. She has appeared in series like Criminal Minds, Young Sheldon, and The Good Doctor, as well as films such as 300: Rise of an Empire and Midnight in the Switchgrass. Outside of acting, Carmichael is also a talented dancer and volunteer, making a positive impact in her community. With a bright future ahead, she continues to impress audiences with her versatile performances.
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