BARBOUR
Barbour
Barbour is a prominent British surname with origins rooted in medieval England and Scotland. The name itself is occupational in nature, derived from the Old French word "barbur" or "barbier," meaning a barber or one who shaves or cuts hair. The job of a barber was a respected profession in medieval times, known not only for hair cutting but also for performing surgical procedures and dentistry.
The earliest records of the Barbour surname date back to the 13th century in England, particularly in the counties of Kent and Norfolk. As the profession of barber evolved over the centuries, so did the surname Barbour, spreading to Scotland and Ireland.
In Scotland, the name Barbour is associated with the notable poet John Barbour, known for his epic poem "The Brus," which chronicles the life of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. This literary work is considered one of the earliest Scottish texts and has cemented the Barbour name in Scottish history.
Today, the surname Barbour is widespread across the United Kingdom and beyond, with individuals bearing this name engaged in various professions and industries. The Barbour name also maintains a strong connection to the fields of fashion and design, thanks to the globally renowned British clothing brand "Barbour," famous for its waxed jackets and outdoor attire.
The Barbour surname represents a rich tapestry of history, heritage, and craftsmanship, reflecting the diverse contributions of individuals who have carried this name through the centuries.
There are approximately 3,314 people named Barbour in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,740th most common surname in Britain. Around 51 in a million people in Britain are named Barbour.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Scotland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alexander
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- George
- James
- John
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Janet
- Julia
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Barber
- Barbar
- Barbare
- Barbara
- Barbard
- Barbarez
- Barbari
- Barbaria
- Barbaric
- Barbarin
- Barbaro
- Barbary
- Barbaud
- Barbaur
- Barbeary
- Barbeau
- Barbeiro
- Barbera
- Barberan
- Barbere
- Barbereau
- Barberel
- Barberet
- Barberg
- Barberi
- Barberio
- Barberis
- Barbero
- Barberry
- Barbers
- Barbert
- Barbery
- Barbier
- Barbiera
- Barbiere
- Barbieri
- Barbiero
- Barbieux
- Barbir
- Barbor
- Barboro
- Barbra
- Barbre
- Barbur
- Barbury
- Barfour
- Berbar
- Berber
- Berberi
- Berbiers
- Bierber
- Borbor
- Borburg
- Braber
- Brebaer
- Brebber
- Brebour
- Burber
- Burbeury
- Burborough
- Burburry
- Burbury
- Barbieru
- Bayorbor
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.