Surname Barrie - Meaning and Origin
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Barrie: What does the surname Barrie mean?
The last name Barrie is of Scottish origin and it is derived from a place name, from the ancient barony of Barrie in the former county of Forfar, now known as Angus. The place name Barrie is thought to be derived from elements meaning "rough, grassy hill". In Gaelic, it is spelled as "Barraich," which refers to a "rough, long hill". It can also mean "sharp" or "pointed". This surname was adopted by families who lived in or were associated with this location. Additionally, it can sometimes be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic last name Ó Beargha, which means "descendant of Beargh," a personal name based on "beargh" meaning "sharp" or "pointed." Over time, people carrying this surname have migrated to different parts of the world, making it quite widespread. Famous bearers of this name include J.M. Barrie, the Scottish author best known for creating the character Peter Pan.
Order DNA origin analysisBarrie: Where does the name Barrie come from?
The last name Barrie is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the personal name Barry, which itself possibly came from the Gaelic word "bara" meaning a spear, or from St. Bar, a popular medieval saint. The name was popular in the region of Angus, in Scotland.
Barrie is mainly common in English-speaking countries which have seen immigration from Scotland, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It is particularly associated with Scotland due to its origins and has a long history there. Famous people with the last name Barrie include J.M. Barrie, the Scottish author best known for creating Peter Pan.
Despite its origins, the surname has spread and diversified internationally, contributing to its presence in various forms across many countries. However, its highest densities still remain in those countries with strong historical ties to Scotland.
Variations of the surname Barrie
The surname Barrie is Scottish in origin and denotes someone who hails from a place called Barrie in Angus, Scotland. It is also considered a derivation of the Gaelic personal name Fionnbharr, meaning fair-haired. The surname has several spellings and variants which include Barry, Barie, Barre, Barr, Barrey, Bearie, and Berrie. There are instances where some surnames of similar pronunciations are mistakenly considered as variants, like Berry, which is actually of a different lineage. Also, in some places, the spelling Barrie is used specifically for girls, while Barry is used for boys. This surname has been popularized in literature by the Scottish author J.M. Barrie, best known for creating the character Peter Pan.
The surname may also have connections with the Irish surname O' Báire, anglicized as O' Barry, meaning descendant of Báire, although this association is less established. The occurrence of the surname Barre in French-speaking regions may have its origins from different sources such as from the Old French 'barre', meaning 'gate' or 'barrier'. Thus, while the lineage and variants can be region-specific, it is important to consider the local cultures, traditions, and languages of the regions.
Famous people with the name Barrie
- J.M. Barrie: A Scottish novelist and playwright, best known for creating the character Peter Pan.
- Wendy Barrie: An English actress who worked in British and Hollywood films, also known for her television work.
- Barbara Barrie: An American actress of film, stage, and television. She is best known for her role in the film Breaking Away.
- Judith Barrie: A silent film actress who appeared in dramas and thrillers, most active during the 1920s and 30s.
- Brian Barrie: A Canadian sportscaster, most recognized for his work in hockey broadcasts.
- Jordie Barrie: A Canadian football player who played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
- Grant Barrie: A Scottish former professional footballer who played for the Forfar Athletic club.
- Gregor Barrie: A former Scottish rugby union player, who represented his country at international level.
- Baxter Barrie: A Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers in the National Hockey League (NHL).
- Tony Barrie: An Australian actor and comedian, best known for his appearances on television sketch comedy shows.