Cary Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Cary come from? What does the surname Cary mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Cary and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Cary Origin: What does the last name Cary mean?
The surname Cary has English origins, dating back to the early 13th century. In England, it was associated with the Cary family through the 15th century. By the early 17th century, the surname began to gain prominence in the United States, eventually surpassing its presence in the United Kingdom. Today, the Cary surname remains prominent in the United States and can also be found in other regions worldwide, reflecting its global dispersal over the centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the early appearance of the Cary surname in England and its subsequent growth in the United States. The surname's expansion into other countries and regions, including the United Kingdom and possibly beyond, highlights its enduring legacy and widespread presence in various parts of the world. The Cary surname continues to represent a rich history and heritage that has transcended borders and cultures over time.
Cary Last Name History: Where did the last name Cary come from?
Origin of Cary Surname: Where does the last name Cary originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Cary first appeared in records from England (United Kingdom) around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Cary” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Cary: What does the Cary surname history look like in the early days?
The “Cary” surname remained closely associated with England from the 13th through the 15th century. However, during the early 17th century, the volume of Cary family records began to grow significantly in the United States, eventually surpassing the United Kingdom. Please note that this global spread reflects the data from the YourRoots database and might include other countries as well.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Cary surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records with the Cary surname had grown significantly in the United States. By the early 17th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. The “Cary” surname remains prominent in the United States today. However, it also appears in other regions worldwide, including the United Kingdom, and possibly other countries, reflecting its global dispersal over the centuries.
Explore Cary last name heritage and Cary surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Cary Surame?
Diana Serra Cary
Diana Serra Cary (Peggy-Jean Montgomery, October 29, 1918 – February 24, 2020) was known as Baby Peggy, an American child film actress, author, and silent film historian. She was one of the major child stars of the Hollywood silent film era, making over 150 short films in the 1920s. Despite early fame and wealth, mismanagement left her poor in the 1930s. She later found success as an author and advocate for child actors' rights. Her story sheds light on the challenges faced by child stars in early Hollywood.
Joyce Cary
Arthur Joyce Lunel Cary (7 Dec 1888 – 29 Mar 1957) was an Anglo-Irish novelist known as Joyce Cary. His notable works include "Mister Johnson" and "The Horse's Mouth." Born in Ireland, Cary served as a colonial official and drew inspiration from his experiences in Africa. Despite facing health challenges, he pursued a career in literature and art before finding success as a writer. Cary's unique perspective on life and displacement influenced his writing style, making him a respected figure in the literary world.
Castle Cary
Castle Cary (No specific birth and death dates) was a market town and civil parish in south Somerset, England. The name Cary comes from the Celtic word "caer," meaning rock or castle, reflecting the town's history. The town's Castle Cary Manor has a rich history, passing through different noble families over the centuries. Castle Cary flourished in the 16th century, known for its cloth production and later for horse-hair textiles. The town underwent changes in the 18th century due to investments by notable families. Today, Castle Cary is a Fairtrade Village with a rich historical and cultural heritage.
Caitlin Cary
Caitlin Cary (October 28, 1968) is an alternative country musician and visual artist known for her work with the band Whiskeytown and her solo career. Growing up in a musical family, Cary started playing the violin at a young age and later joined various musical projects, including forming the group Small Ponds. She is also recognized for her fabric collages, which she calls "Needle Print." Cary's contributions to the North Carolina Music Love Army and her collaborations with other artists have solidified her place in the music industry as a talented and versatile performer.
Diane Cary
Diane Cary (born Diane Civita) is an American actress known for her roles in various TV shows. She appeared in popular series such as Misfits of Science, V, The Bionic Woman, and The Incredible Hulk. Cary also had recurring roles in Alien Nation and Ugly Betty. She is married to James D. Parriott, co-creator of Forever Knight, where she also wrote two episodes. Cary's most recent work includes starring in the horror-thriller film 'Kantemir' alongside her former V co-star Robert Englund. With a long and diverse acting career, Diane Cary has made her mark in the entertainment industry.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.