Barrington Surname

Exploring the Surname Barrington

The surname "Barrington" is a distinctive name with rich historical implications and geographical dispersion. This article delves into the etymology, historical context, notable figures, and geographical prevalence of the Barrington surname, revealing how it has shaped identities in various cultures around the world.

Etymology and Historical Origins

The surname Barrington originates from an English geographical name that means "town of the bear," derived from the Old English word "bera," which means "bear," and "tun," meaning "town" or "enclosure." The name is thought to be linked to places in England, suggesting that the earliest bearers of the surname might have hailed from these areas.

The name may have roots going back to the medieval period, where it was common for surnames to derive from localities to signify a person’s home or origin. The Barrington family has historical ties to various locations, including Barrington in Somerset and Barrington in Cambridgeshire, England. The use of such surnames was crucial as societies evolved from nomadic lifestyles to settled communities.

Historical Context and Significance

Throughout history, for individuals bearing the surname Barrington, there have been numerous significant figures. Some emerged from aristocratic backgrounds while others contributed to the arts, sciences, and governance. The family has a notable presence in historical texts, often associated with land ownership and local governance.

The Barrington family name has been linked to various historical events and contributions to public affairs in England and beyond. The name found its way into parliamentary records, with bearers often engaged in political matters, demonstrating the social mobility afforded by land acquisition and the accumulation of wealth through agriculture and trade.

Geographical Incidence of the Barrington Surname

Statistical data from various countries depicts the global presence of the surname Barrington. The highest incidence is observed in the United States, with 6,270 individuals registered, signifying the impact of immigration and settlement from Europe, particularly England.

United States

In the U.S., the name Barrington has become well-embedded within various communities. The influence of English settlers contributed significantly to its spread, shaping the demographic pattern of the surname. Various genealogical studies have traced many American Barringtons back to early settlers from England, showcasing the name's evolution as it merged with American culture.

United Kingdom

The surname remains prevalent in England, with about 2,475 individuals sharing the name. The distribution of Barringtons across different regions of the UK reflects historical migration patterns, land ownership, and social structures that may have evolved over centuries.

Commonwealth and Other Regions

Australia, Canada, and New Zealand also host notable populations of individuals with the surname. In Australia, there are approximately 1,131 Barringtons, while Canada has around 1,037. In New Zealand, the figure stands at about 300. These statistics exemplify the flow of individuals from British colonies seeking new opportunities, leading to the spread of the surname globally.

Other Regions

The surname is found in smaller numbers across various countries. For example, in South Africa (155), Guyana (155), and Trinidad and Tobago (219), Barringtons can be traced to the diaspora resulting from colonial expansion. The name’s presence in countries like Nigeria (24), Jamaica (21), and even in European nations such as Germany, Italy, and France reflects a widespread yet scattered lineage.

Notable Individuals with the Surname Barrington

Several distinguished individuals throughout history have carried the name Barrington. Their contributions have had lasting impacts in their respective fields.

William Barrington

William Barrington, a figure in 18th-century British politics, served in the House of Commons. His involvement in policymaking during a time of considerable political upheaval showcases how individuals with the Barrington surname have held prominence in governance.

Generational Legacy

The Barrington family has also produced notable literary figures and artists, contributing to various cultural movements. Their legacies often illustrate the duality of maintaining traditional values while embracing new societal shifts.

Cultural Representations and Media

The Barrington surname appears in various forms of media, literature, and pop culture, illustrating its versatility and adaptability in modern contexts. In films, literature, and television shows, characters with the name Barrington often represent themes of nobility, history, and strength.

Modern Day References

In contemporary discourse, one may come across the Barrington name in various community initiatives, charities, and organizations, suggesting that the descendants of this surname are actively engaged in making contributions to society. Their involvement spans across philanthropic efforts, showcasing the values instilled within the name.

Challenges in Tracing Genealogical Lineage

Tracing the Barrington surname back through generations can present challenges, particularly due to historical migrations, name changes, and the commonality of the name in certain regions. Nevertheless, resources such as genealogical databases, historical records, and DNA testing have revolutionized family history research, helping individuals reconnect with their Barrington ancestry.

Importance of Documentation

For many individuals investigating their Barrington lineage, maintaining thorough documentation is crucial. Birth records, marriage certificates, and land deeds can provide valuable insights into the family's history. Moreover, engaging with historical societies can yield additional context and connections vital to comprehensive genealogical research.

Conclusion

The Barrington surname, with its rich history and widespread geographical presence, paints a fascinating picture of identity and ancestry. The name, originating from England, has traveled across continents, adapting and evolving as it intertwined with diverse cultures. Despite challenges in tracking lineage, resources and community engagement pave the way for those interested in uncovering their Barrington heritage.

The surname Barrington within the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same takes place when it comes to Barrington, which as you're able to corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname that may be present in all the nations for the world. Just as you can find countries by which definitely the density of individuals with the surname Barrington is higher than far away.

The map for the Barrington surname

View Barrington surname map

The chance of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Barrington on the planet, assists us a whole lot. By placing ourselves on the map, on a concrete nation, we are able to start to see the concrete number of individuals aided by the surname Barrington, to obtain in this way the particular information of all of the Barrington as you are able to currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to understand not merely where the surname Barrington originates from, but also in what manner the people that are originally area of the household that bears the surname Barrington have relocated and relocated. In the same way, you'll be able to see in which places they have settled and grown up, which explains why if Barrington is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other nations for the globe it is possible this 1 of our ancestors once moved to.

Nations with additional Barrington worldwide

  1. United States United States (6270)
  2. England England (2475)
  3. Australia Australia (1131)
  4. Canada Canada (1037)
  5. New Zealand New Zealand (300)
  6. Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago (219)
  7. Wales Wales (178)
  8. South Africa South Africa (155)
  9. Guyana Guyana (155)
  10. Ireland Ireland (113)
  11. Scotland Scotland (80)
  12. Sweden Sweden (45)
  13. Nothern Ireland Nothern Ireland (38)
  14. Suriname Suriname (28)
  15. Nigeria Nigeria (24)
  16. Jamaica Jamaica (21)
  17. Venezuela Venezuela (18)
  18. Brazil Brazil (17)
  19. Grenada Grenada (14)
  20. Switzerland Switzerland (10)
  21. Russia Russia (10)
  22. Chile Chile (8)
  23. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates (7)
  24. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (7)
  25. Zimbabwe Zimbabwe (6)
  26. Netherlands Netherlands (6)
  27. Philippines Philippines (6)
  28. India India (4)
  29. Ghana Ghana (4)
  30. Argentina Argentina (3)
  31. Norway Norway (3)
  32. Germany Germany (3)
  33. Denmark Denmark (3)
  34. Puerto Rico Puerto Rico (3)
  35. Spain Spain (3)
  36. Thailand Thailand (3)
  37. Italy Italy (2)
  38. Barbados Barbados (2)
  39. Poland Poland (2)
  40. France France (2)
  41. U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. Virgin Islands (1)
  42. Isle of Man Isle of Man (1)
  43. Iraq Iraq (1)
  44. Jersey Jersey (1)
  45. Austria Austria (1)
  46. Japan Japan (1)
  47. Saint Lucia Saint Lucia (1)
  48. Namibia Namibia (1)
  49. Belgium Belgium (1)
  50. Belarus Belarus (1)
  51. Oman Oman (1)
  52. Panama Panama (1)
  53. China China (1)
  54. French Polynesia French Polynesia (1)
  55. Czech Republic Czech Republic (1)
  56. Dominican Republic Dominican Republic (1)
  57. Portugal Portugal (1)
  58. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia (1)
  59. Taiwan Taiwan (1)
  60. Tanzania Tanzania (1)
  61. Guatemala Guatemala (1)
  62. Indonesia Indonesia (1)