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Barrett

♂ Boy

Pronounced BAIR-it /ˈbær.ɪt/High

Meaning: Bear strength; from Old German berht (bright) + hard (brave, hardy); or possibly from Old French barat (deceit, strife)Medium

In 30 seconds: A strong English surname possibly meaning 'bear strength' or from a Germanic root. Associated with poets and prestige, it's a rising literary first name with a polished, serious character.
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Origin MediumOld English, Old German
MeaningBear strength; from Old German berht (bright) + hard (brave, hardy); or possibly from Old French barat (deceit, strife)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 18,061

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201718862017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Barrett is an English surname with uncertain etymology. One theory connects it to Old German elements meaning 'bear strength' or 'bright and brave.' Another links it to Old French barat ('strife, deceit'), possibly used for a quarrelsome person. The surname is found in England from the medieval period. It has been used as a first name in the United States since the 19th century.

Barrett as a first name gained momentum in the late 20th century, fitting the trend for literary English surnames. Its association with Elizabeth Barrett Browning gives it a romantic-intellectual pedigree. In the United States it has climbed into the top 200 boys' names in the 2010s.

Did you know? The poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861) is perhaps the most famous literary bearer of this surname, making Barrett a name with deep romantic-poetry associations.

Variations

BarretBarrette

Nicknames

BearBazBarry

Famous Bearers

  • ★Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861)
    Celebrated English poet of the Victorian era, known for <em>Sonnets from the Portuguese</em>.

If you like Barrett…

Beckett— literary English surname on the same rising trajectory
Bentley— aristocratic English surname used as a first name

Frequently Asked

What does the name Barrett mean?

Barrett's meaning is uncertain; it may come from Germanic roots meaning 'bear strength' or Old French barat meaning 'strife.'

How do you pronounce Barrett?

Barrett is pronounced BAIR-it (/ˈbær.ɪt/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Barrett a boy or girl name?

Barrett is used predominantly as a boy's name.

How popular is Barrett?

Barrett entered the U.S. top 200 boys' names in the 2010s and has been rising steadily.