Carnegie
Carnegie
Carnegie Clan Collection
Overview
- Surname: Carnegie
- Origins: Angus, Scotland
- More Info: Scotland
Carnegie Family History
The Carnegie family name and clan originated in Angus, Scotland. The ancestors of the Carnegie family were part of an ancient Pictish tribe. The name derives from the old barony of Carnegie in the parish of Carmyllie, Angus. One of the earliest records is Duthac de Carnegy, who witnessed a deed in Aberdeen in 1383. In 1358, Walter de Maule granted the lands of "Carryneggy" at Carmyllie to John de Ballinhard, who took the name Carnegie after the transaction was confirmed by King David II. The Carnegies were generally loyal supporters of the Stewart claim to the Scottish throne.
The family split into two main branches - the Earls of Southesk and the Earls of Northesk (originally Earls of Ethie). Notable members include the 5th Earl of Southesk who took part in the 1715 Jacobite rising, and the industrialist Andrew Carnegie, who emigrated to the United States and became one of the richest men of his era through the steel industry. The current chief is His Grace David Carnegie, the 4th Duke of Fife, who also holds the subsidiary titles Earl of Southesk and Chief of the Name and Arms of Carnegie.
Carnegie Coat of Arms
The Carnegie coat of arms features an eagle displayed (wings spread) azure (blue) on an argent (silver) field. The eagle has its beak, talons, and tongue gules (red), and on its breast is an antique-covered cup or.
Carnegie Clan Crest
The Carnegie clan crest is a thunderbolt proper (natural colors) winged or (gold).
Heraldic Details
- Motto: Dread God
- Arms: Argent, an eagle displayed Azure, armed and membered Gules
- Crest: A thunderbolt proper, winged Or
- Supporters: Two mermaids holding in their exterior hands a mirror proper
- Plant: Oak
Name Variations
The Carnegie surname has several spelling variations, primarily due to translation from the original Gaelic and regional differences in pronunciation and record-keeping. Here are some of the most common variations:
- Carnegy
- Carnegey
- Carnagie
- Carnege
- Carneaggie
- Carneggie
- Carnegi
- Carnigy
- Kernagy
- Carinnegi
- Carrinegy
- Carryneggi
The name is derived from the Gaelic "cathair an eige" meaning "fort of the gap or nick," referring to the old barony of Carnegie in the parish of Carmyllie, Angus, Scotland. The earliest recorded spelling is Duthac de Carnegy, who witnessed a deed in Aberdeen in 1383. The family originally went by the name de Balinhard but took on the Carnegie surname after acquiring the lands of Carnegie around 1340. While the Carnegie spelling is now the most widespread, the Carnegy and Carnegey variants were also commonly used, especially by the noble branches like the Earls of Southesk and Earls of Northesk (originally Earls of Ethie). Other notable variations include Carnagy, Carnagay, Carnygay, Carnaghey used in Ireland, and Carnival which appeared in some English records. The Kernagy form arose from the Gaelic pronunciation in some areas.