Carney is an uncommon English given name for males and females alike. Its origin can be traced back to the Irish surname "Ó Cearnaigh," which was derived from the Gaelic personal name "Cearnach." This name is believed to mean "warlike" or "valiant."
The surname Carney is of Irish origin, originating from County Tyrone in Ulster. It is thought to have been brought to Ireland by the ancient Celtic tribe known as the Cenél Conaill, who settled there around the 5th century AD. Over time, the name evolved and was anglicized into various forms such as Carney, Carney, Carnie, and Carny.
The first recorded instance of the given name Carney is in the mid-19th century, when it began to appear in birth records in Ireland and England. It has since gained some popularity as a given name, particularly among Irish families living abroad.
Today, Carney remains a relatively rare name, but it carries a rich history and strong associations with Irish culture and heritage. Its meaning as "warlike" or "valiant" may have contributed to its appeal over the centuries, reflecting the strength and courage associated with the Irish people.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Carney in the United States between 1911 and 1994. Over this period, there were a total of 491 babies named Carney.
While some years saw more than ten births with this name (such as 18 births in 1918), many others had fewer than ten (for instance, only 5 births in 1924). The number of annual births with the name Carney seems to have been quite variable over the decades.
It's interesting to note that there were no recorded births with this name in several years between 1960 and 1980, which suggests a drop in popularity for the name during these decades. However, there was a slight resurgence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with six births each in 1989 and 1994.
Overall, while the name Carney may not have been incredibly popular throughout this period, it does appear to have had some steady presence among baby names in the United States.