BARRY

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Barry

The surname Barry is of Gaelic origin, deriving from the Old Irish name "Berrach", meaning "spear". It is believed to have been brought to England and Ireland by the Anglo-Normans following the 1066 Norman Conquest.

Origin:

The Barry surname is primarily associated with Ireland and South West England, particularly in the counties of Cork, Kerry, and Devon. The Barry family of Ireland is one of the oldest noble families in the country, with branches that include the Earls of Barrymore and the Viscounts of Buttevant.

Notable Individuals:

1. James Barry (1741–1806): A renowned Irish painter known for his historical paintings and for being one of the first British artists to study in Italy.

2. Sebastian Barry (b. 1955): An award-winning Irish playwright and novelist, known for his works that explore Irish history and culture.

3. Lionel Barrymore (1878–1954): An American actor and director, part of the Barrymore theatrical dynasty.

Conclusion

The surname Barry is steeped in history and has produced notable figures in the worlds of art, literature, and entertainment. It remains a prominent surname in Ireland and South West England, reflecting its enduring legacy.

There are approximately 16,739 people named Barry in the UK. That makes it the 532nd most common surname in Britain. Around 257 in a million people in Britain are named Barry.

Surname type: From given name or forename

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

David
James
John
Kevin
Mark
Michael
Paul
Peter
Stephen
William

Female

Christine
Elizabeth
Helen
Lisa
Margaret
Mary
Michelle
Nicola
Patricia
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

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