From Ó Cearbhaill, ‘fierce in battle’ — lords of Éile, the old territory that gave its name to County Offaly's Ely O'Carroll barony.
Gaelic Origin · Root name Cearbhall
Carroll descends from Cearbhall, most often read as ‘fierce’ or ‘hacking, in battle’. The Ó Cearbhaill ruled Éile, a territory straddling modern Offaly and Tipperary still remembered in the barony name Ely O'Carroll.
A warrior's name that outlived its own kingdom — the territory was carved up centuries ago, but the name it gave still answers to it.
Irish form: Ó Cearbhaill
