All about the name

Barrett

Male

« Barrett is an English name of Irish origin derived from the Norman French word "barret," meaning "brit. »

#207 last year

Meaning, origin, history

Barrett is an English surname and given name of Irish origin, derived from the Norman French word "barret," which means "brit." The Normans were a group of people who invaded England in the 11th century, bringing with them their language and culture. The name Barrett was originally used as a nickname or descriptive term for someone who was from Brittany, a region in France. Over time, however, it became an established surname among families of Irish descent. There are several notable figures throughout history who bear the name Barrett. One such figure is James R. Barrett, an American historian and labor activist who specialized in the study of immigration and ethnicity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition to its use as a surname, Barrett has also been used as a given name for boys and girls since the mid-20th century. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a unisex name, with some parents choosing it because of its unique sound and Irish origins.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Barrett since 1880

Total births
29,290
Total since 1880
Peak year
2020
2,009 births
in 2023
1,780
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+87%
vs previous 5 years