A NAME WITH DUAL HERITAGE:

The surname Barrett is of Anglo-Irish origin,
found in both southeast England and southwest Ireland.
In Ireland, it is especially common in Counties Cork, Mayo, and Galway.
The Gaelic forms—Baróid in the south and Bairéid in the west
reflect the name’s deep integration into Irish culture.
It’s a name shaped by both conquest and kinship.

FROM NORMAN MERCENARIES TO IRISH CLANS:

The Barretts arrived in Ireland following the Norman invasion,
brought from Wales as hired mercenaries.
Over time, they became respected Irish families,
woven into the story of Gaelic Ireland.
As an English surname, Barrett may come from Old English
meaning “quarrelsome”, or from a Norman personal name
like Barnard, Berold, or Bernhard
names that speak to a strong and bold nature.

A WARRIOR’S NAME, STILL GOING STRONG:

One enduring meaning of Barrett is
“warlike people”—a testament to its roots in
courage, resilience, and character.
Whether carried by soldiers, artists, or scholars,
Barrett is a name that has left a lasting impression
across centuries and continents.

FAMOUS BEARERS OF THE BARRETT NAME:

• Elizabeth Barrett Browning – Renowned 19th-century English poet,
  whose work shaped Victorian literature and social thought.

• Syd Barrett – Founding member of the rock band Pink Floyd,
  a legendary figure in psychedelic music.

• R.J. Barrett – Canadian NBA basketball player,
  known for his rising career with the Toronto Raptors.

• Beauden Barrett – World-class New Zealand rugby player,
  part of the iconic All Blacks team.

• Tina Barrett – English pop singer and member of S Club 7,
  a chart-topping group from the early 2000s.