Name Directory by Last Name: Last Names Starting with Ca

The surname Campbell has its origins in Scotland, specifically deriving from the Gaelic name "Caimbeul," which translates to "crooked mouth." This name is believed to have first appeared in the 12th century, associated with the ancient Scottish clan of Campbell, which became one of the most powerful and influential clans in Scottish history. The Campbells were known for their significant roles in the feudal system, often serving as landowners and military leaders.

The surname Carter has its origins in medieval England, deriving from the Old French word "carretier," which means "one who transports goods by cart." This occupational surname first appeared in the 12th century, particularly in the regions of England where trade and commerce flourished. Carters were essential to the economy, facilitating the movement of goods and materials, and their role was vital in both urban and rural settings.

The surname Carroll has its roots in Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "O' Cearbhaill," which means "descendant of Cearbhall." The name Cearbhall itself is believed to mean "fierce in battle" or "warrior," reflecting the martial heritage of the early bearers of the name. The O'Carrolls were a prominent family in the medieval period, particularly in the region of Offaly, where they were known as chieftains and landowners.

The surname Carpenter has its roots in the Old French word "carpentier," which itself derives from the Latin "carpentarius," meaning "wagon maker" or "carpenter." This occupational surname first appeared in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when skilled tradesmen were in high demand for the construction of buildings and ships. Carpenters were essential in medieval society, responsible for crafting wooden structures, furniture, and tools, which made the name synonymous with craftsmanship and skill.

The surname Cameron has its historical roots in Scotland, particularly associated with the Gaelic term "cam shròn," which translates to "crooked nose." This name likely originated as a nickname for individuals with distinctive facial features and eventually evolved into a hereditary surname. The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the 13th century, with the Cameron clan emerging prominently in the Scottish Highlands.

The surname Carlson has its roots in Scandinavia, particularly in Sweden, where it is derived from the given name Karl, meaning "man" or "free man." The suffix "-son" indicates "son of," thus Carlson translates to "son of Karl." This patronymic naming convention became prevalent in the Nordic countries during the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of lineage and family ties in Scandinavian culture. Over time, the surname spread beyond Sweden, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, as many Scandinavians emigrated to the United States and other parts of the world in search of better opportunities.

The surname Caldwell has its roots in Scotland and England, with its earliest recorded instances dating back to the 12th century. The name is derived from the Old English elements "cauld," meaning "cold," and "wella," meaning "spring" or "stream," suggesting a geographical origin related to a cold water source.

The surname Carson has its historical roots primarily in Scotland and Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "MacCarson," which means "son of Carson." The name itself is believed to have originated from the Old Norse personal name "Kár," which translates to "the one who is brave" or "the one who is strong." The surname first appeared in historical records during the medieval period, with its bearers often associated with various occupations such as farming, trade, and military service. Over time, the name became more widespread, particularly in the 19th century, as many Carsons emigrated to the United States and other countries, bringing their name and heritage with them. Culturally, the surname Carson has several variations across different regions, including "Carson" in English-speaking countries and "Carsonne" in French contexts.

The surname Carey has its historical roots in both Irish and English origins, with the Irish variant deriving from the Gaelic "O'Ceara," meaning "descendant of Ceara," a personal name that may have meant "dark" or "black." The name is believed to have first appeared in Ireland around the 11th century, particularly in the province of Munster. In England, the surname can be traced back to the Old French "Carre," which means "a place of enclosure," and was introduced after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

The surname Cannon has its historical roots in England, deriving from the Old French word "canon," which referred to a church official or a member of the clergy. The name likely emerged in the medieval period, particularly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many French terms and names were adopted into the English language.

The surname Casey has its roots in Ireland, derived from the Gaelic name "O'Cathasaigh," which means "descendant of Cathasach," with "cath" meaning "battle." The name first appeared in historical records in the 11th century, primarily in the province of Munster. Over time, the Casey family became associated with various occupations, including farming and military service, reflecting the agrarian and warrior culture of early Irish society.

The surname Cain has deep historical roots, tracing back to biblical times, specifically to the Old Testament, where Cain is known as the firstborn son of Adam and Eve. The name itself is derived from the Hebrew word "Qayin," which is often interpreted to mean "acquired" or "possession." Over time, the surname has evolved and appeared in various forms across different cultures, often associated with themes of agriculture and land ownership, reflecting the agrarian societies in which early bearers of the name lived.

The surname Castro has its roots in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Spain and Portugal, where it is derived from the Latin word "castrum," meaning "fort" or "castle." This surname likely originated as a topographic name for individuals who lived near or were associated with a fortified place. The earliest records of the surname date back to the Middle Ages, with notable mentions in historical documents from the 12th century.

The surname Case has its historical roots primarily in England, where it is believed to have originated from the Old French word "case," meaning "a box" or "a case." This suggests that the name may have been occupational, referring to someone who made or sold boxes or containers. The surname first appeared in written records in the medieval period, with variations in spelling such as "Casse" and "Cays." Over time, the name became associated with various social roles, including tradesmen and artisans, reflecting the economic activities of the communities in which they lived.

The surname Callahan has its roots in Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "O'Ceallachain," which means "descendant of Ceallachan." The name Ceallachan is believed to be derived from the word "ceall," meaning "church," suggesting a historical connection to ecclesiastical roles or locations. The O'Ceallachain family was originally associated with the province of Munster, particularly in County Kerry, where they were part of the Gaelic nobility.

The surname Castillo has its roots in the Spanish language, deriving from the word "castillo," which means "castle." Historically, it is believed to have originated in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in regions where castles were prominent, serving as fortifications during the Middle Ages. The surname likely began as a topographic name for individuals who lived near or worked in a castle, or it could have been a nickname for someone who was associated with the nobility or military roles linked to these structures.

The surname Caron has its historical roots primarily in France, where it is believed to have originated from the Old French word "caron," meaning "little man" or "dwarf." The name first appeared in written records during the medieval period, particularly in the northern regions of France. Over time, the surname became associated with various occupations, including those of artisans and laborers, reflecting the social roles of individuals who bore the name.

The surname Calhoun has its historical roots in Scotland, particularly in the region of Lanarkshire. The name is derived from the Gaelic "Calhoun," which is believed to mean "narrow" or "slender," possibly referring to a geographical feature or a physical characteristic of the early bearers.

The surname Camp has its historical roots in medieval England, deriving from the Old French word "camp," which means "field" or "enclosure." It is believed to have first appeared in the 12th century, particularly in regions where the Normans settled after the Conquest of 1066. The name was often associated with individuals who lived near or worked on fields or camps, possibly indicating a connection to agricultural occupations or military encampments.

The surname Cassidy has its roots in Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "O'Cathasaigh," which means "descendant of Cathasach." The name Cathasach itself is derived from the word "cath," meaning "battle," suggesting a lineage associated with warriors or those who were strong in battle. The O'Cathasaigh clan was historically located in County Fermanagh, where they were known as a prominent family during the medieval period.