Map of Britain showing where the O'Carroll arms are recorded
The O'Carroll arms were recorded in Britain, c. 1700.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Kent.
Kent sits between London and the short crossing to Europe, and the trade passing through made it wealthy. Merchant families bought land with that money, and it was landowners who took coats of arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Britain in this period.
William III of England
Sovereign of the period
William III of England
1694–1702
Reigning in Britain when the O'Carroll arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Britain
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Britain.
Origin & History of the O'Carroll Family in Britain
The name O’Carroll is a classic Irish surname that originated from the Gaelic name Ó Cearbhaill, which translates to descendant of Cearbhall. The name Cearbhall itself is thought to mean fierce in battle. While the family has deep roots in the Irish provinces of Munster and Leinster, members of the family began migrating across the Irish Sea to England by the turn of the 18th century. By 1700, records show that O’Carroll families were established in Kent, likely as part of the broader movement of Irish people seeking new opportunities in trade and labor during the early modern period. These early settlers helped carry the name into new regions, blending their Irish heritage with the local customs of southern England. Their presence in Kent during this time highlights the long history of movement between Ireland and Britain that helped shape the modern distribution of the name.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cearbhall
An ancient Gaelic personal name likely derived from battle or strife.
This name
O'CarrollDescendant of the fierce warrior or champion.
also spelled
O'Carroll
Okarol
Related arms
Carrol, or Carrollvariant spelling
Carrollvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
MacLysaght, Edward. The Surnames of Ireland. 1985
Woulfe, Patrick. Sloinnte Gaedheal is Gall: Irish Names and Surnames. 1923
The National Archives (UK). Registers of the Parish of St. Nicholas, Deptford, Kent. 1700
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
