BARRATT

Barratt is a surname of English and French derivation, recorded as early as the mid‑12th century in the British Isles. The earliest known instance is that of Matthew Baret in a London document dated 1150, during the reign of King Stephen (1135-1154). Subsequent entries in the pipe rolls of Nottinghamshire (1165) mention Robert Barate, while a record from Hampshire (1207) refers to Seman Barette, confirming the name’s early presence in England.

Its etymology can be traced to the Old French word barat, meaning “quarrel” or “dispute.” In Middle English, the term evolved into barret, describing a person who was quarrelsome or prone to strife. Another hypothesis links the surname to Germanic personal names introduced after the Norman Conquest, such as Bernhard (bear + brave/strong) or Bernwald (bear + rule). There is also a possible occupational origin, from the Old French barette meaning a cap or bonnet, suggesting an ancestor who manufactured or sold headwear.

Over the centuries the spelling of the surname has varied widely. In addition to the modern form Barratt, historical and contemporary variations include Barrett, Barret, Barritt, Barrot, Barrat, Barrattt, and Barret. Some branches of the family have adopted the anglicised form Barrington, and in certain contexts the name may appear as Barret or Barat in Ireland and the western parts of the British Isles.

The surname has a notable heraldic representation. The family coat of arms is described as a silver shield bearing three lozenge buckles in a diagonal line, all in red. The crest comprises a galley, with its oars made of sable and its flags in red. This blazon appears in early heraldic rolls and is still associated with the name today.

A distinguished bearer of the name was Alfred Barratt (1844-1881), a philosophical writer who served as secretary to the Oxford University Commission in 1880. His work contributed to the periodical literature of the time and reflected the intellectual pursuits common among members of the Barratt line.

In the present day, the surname remains most common within the United Kingdom, particularly in the counties of Staffordshire, Dartmoor, and Cheshire. It is also widely found in the West Midlands, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Greater London, and the East Midlands. In Australia, the name is predominantly concentrated along the eastern seaboard—from Victoria in the south to Queensland in the north—with major urban centres such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide hosting significant numbers of individuals bearing the name. The Barratt family can also be identified throughout the United States, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, and other parts of the British Isles.

Although the surname is primarily associated with England, its roots in Norman French and possible Germanic influences illustrate the complex tapestry of linguistic and cultural exchange that characterises many British family names. The continued prevalence of Barratt across the English‑speaking world, from the rural counties of the United Kingdom to the bustling cities of the United States and Australia, attests to its enduring legacy and the mobility of its bearers over the centuries.

Typical given names associated with the Barratt surname

Male

• Anthony
• Christopher
• David
• James
• John
• Mark
• Michael
• Paul
• Peter
• Stephen

Female

• Elaine
• Elizabeth
• Emma
• Jacqueline
• Julie
• Linda
• Margaret
• Mary
• Michelle
• Patricia
• Rachel
• Sarah
• Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

How to communicate the surname Barratt in...

Braille

⠃⠁⠗⠗⠁⠞⠞

Morse

-....-.-..-..---

Semaphore

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Famous people named Barratt

• Michael Barratt - Welsh rock and roll singer and songwriter
• Lawrie Barratt - Businessman (1927 to 2012)
• Michael Barratt - Television producer
• Nick Barratt - Genealogist
• Fred Barratt - Cricketer (1894 to 1947)
• Thomas Ball Barratt - Norwegian pastor (1862 to 1940)
• Roy Barratt - Cricketer (1942 to 1995)
• Terry Barratt - Cricketer
• Sam Barratt - Football player
• Colin Barratt - Rower
• Tony Barratt - Football player
• Legh Barratt - Cricketer (1871 to 1950)
• Joe Barratt - Football player (1895 to 1968)
• Martin Barratt - (1936 to 2014)
• Harry Barratt - Football player and manager (1918 to 1989)
• Alf Barratt - Football player (1920 to 1)
• Les Barratt - Football player
• Ted Barratt - Cricketer (1844 to 1891)
• Henry Barratt - Rugby union player
• Matilda M. Barratt - Mormon leader (1837 to 1902)

Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.

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