BARRACLOUGH
Barraclough
Barraclough is a British surname of Old English origin, derived from the words "barr" meaning barrier or gate, and "clough" meaning ravine or precipice. The name likely originated as a topographic or locational surname for someone who lived near a ravine or a barrier.
Origins:
The earliest recordings of the Barraclough surname date back to the 14th century in the West Yorkshire area of England. The name was originally found in the region around Halifax and Bradford, suggesting that the original bearers of the name may have come from this area.
Variants:
Variants of the Barraclough surname include Baraclough, Barracliffe, Barkham, and Bareclou.
Notable Individuals:
- John Barraclough (1816–1886): A British army officer who served during the Crimean War and the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
- Sally Barraclough (b. 1975): A British artist known for her innovative use of mixed media in her artwork.
Distribution:
The Barraclough surname is most commonly found in the Yorkshire region of England, with significant populations in areas such as Leeds, Bradford, and Halifax. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Coat of Arms:
The Barraclough family coat of arms features symbols such as a blue shield with a silver chevron, signifying protection, and three silver mullets, representing Knightly quality.
References:
- Hanks, Patrick et al. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, Oxford University Press, 2016.
- Reaney, Percy H. et al. A Dictionary of English Surnames, Oxford University Press, 2005.
There are approximately 4,869 people named Barraclough in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,939th most common surname in Britain. Around 75 in a million people in Britain are named Barraclough.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Janet
- Joanne
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.