BARRIER
Barrier
Definition and Origin
Barrier is a British surname that has its roots in medieval times. The surname is of occupational origin, derived from the old French word 'barriere', meaning a gate or barrier. It was used to denote someone who made or controlled barriers, such as a gatekeeper or a toll-collector. Over time, the surname became hereditary and passed down through generations.
Distribution and Frequency
The surname Barrier is relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom. It is scattered across various regions, with no particular concentration in one area. The distribution of the surname reflects the historical movements and migrations of families over the centuries.
Notable Individuals
While the surname Barrier may not be widely recognised, there have been individuals who have brought distinction to the name. These include:
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John Barrier (1898-1975) - An acclaimed playwright known for his insightful comedies that captured the essence of British society in the mid-20th century.
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Elizabeth Barrier (1945 - ) - A renowned botanist whose work on rare plant species has contributed significantly to environmental conservation efforts in the UK.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the surname Barrier include Barriar, Barreer, and Barrear. These variations may have emerged due to regional accents, dialects, or clerical errors in historical records.
Coat of Arms
The Barrier family does not have an official coat of arms registered with the College of Arms in the UK. This could be due to the relatively smaller size and historical dispersion of the surname's bearers.
Legacy
Despite its rarity, the surname Barrier holds a place in British history as a reminder of the occupations and roles that shaped society in medieval times. Modern bearers of the surname have the opportunity to trace their ancestral roots and explore the rich tapestry of British heritage through their family name.
There are approximately 69 people named Barrier in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Barrier.
Region of origin: Europe
Country of origin: France
Language of origin: French
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Guillaume
- Harvey
- Jack
- Mark
- Paul
Female
- Carol
- Una
Similar and related surnames
- Barari
- Barar
- Barrie
- Barriera
- Barriere
- Baharier
- Barara
- Barer
- Baror
- Barrar
- Barreira
- Barreiro
- Barreiros
- Barrer
- Barrera
- Barreras
- Barrere
- Barrero
- Barror
- Baryer
- Bauer
- Baurer
- Bawer
- Bearer
- Berrier
- Bierer
- Birrer
- Boarer
- Borer
- Borrer
- Borrero
- Borror
- Boryer
- Bourer
- Bourrier
- Burer
- Burrar
- Burrer
- Burrier
- Burrower
- Buryer
- Barbiera
- Barrau
- Barraw
- Barrea
- Barree
- Barriet
- Baudrier
- Bauers
- Baugher
- Beerer
- Beharier
- Berar
- Berer
- Bharier
- Birarra
- Borar
- Borrers
- Boryers
- Braier
- Burgher
- Boorer
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.