Carthy Family Crest framed artprint

Celebrate your family heritage with a gift to cherish – the Carthy Family Crest framed and printed on museum-quality matte paper. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.

Symbolism of the Carthy Family Crest

The Carthy coat of arms represents a distinguished lineage, embodying the noble legacy of the ruling dynasty of Desmond and its storied Irish heritage. Central to the design is the striking red stag, symbolizing natural nobility, vitality, and a profound ancestral connection to the Munster region. In heraldic tradition, the color red (gules) conveys warrior courage, magnanimity, and steadfast defense of family sovereignty.

Crowning the shield is a crest featuring a hand holding a lizard, a heraldic emblem denoting vigilance, swift action, and the decisive strength required to overcome elusive or untrustworthy foes. This martial spirit is embodied in the motto, Fortis, Ferox et Celer, meaning "Strong, Fierce, and Swift." This phrase honors the enduring resilience of early chiefs who defended their lands against Norman and English incursions for centuries.

Origin of the Carthy Name

The Carthy surname is an anglicized adaptation of the Gaelic Mac Cárthaigh, which means "son of Carthach." The family lineage traces back to Carthach, an 11th-century Prince of Eóganacht Chaisil and King of Cashel. After territorial pressures from the O’Briens in Tipperary, the family strategically relocated south to establish the Kingdom of Desmond, covering much of present-day Cork and Kerry.

Over time, the Carthy family branched into influential septs such as the McCarthy Mór (The Great McCarthy) and the McCarthy of Muskerry. English influence gradually altered the original Gaelic spelling and pronunciation, resulting in modern variants including MacCarthy, McCarthy, and the simplified Carthy.

Notable historical figures

Prominent members of the Carthy lineage include Cormac Mac Cárthaigh, the first Great King of Desmond, noted for his patronage of the arts and the church, exemplified by Cormac’s Chapel on the Rock of Cashel. Fineen Mac Cárthaigh, also known as Finghin of Ringrone, gained fame for his pivotal victory over the Normans at the Battle of Callann in 1261. Cormac Laidir Mac Cárthaigh, Lord of Muskerry, is historically linked to Blarney Castle and the legend of the Blarney Stone. The Blessed Thaddeus Mac Cárthaigh, called the “White Martyr of Munster,” highlights the family’s enduring spiritual legacy.

About the artist

Each family crest featured here is a faithful reproduction of an original artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. Éamonn’s work is carefully researched, drawing from the earliest heraldic archives to ensure authenticity. His elegant and detailed designs make these crests exceptional gifts for family members and friends alike.

Product details

• Printed with water-based inks.
• Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame sourced from renewable forests.
• Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm).
• Paper weight: 189 g/m².
• Acrylite front protector.
• Hanging hardware included.

No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order.

This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.