Barrow History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

What does the name Barrow mean?

The name Barrow is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived near a grove, or in any of a number of places called Barrow, The surname is derived from the Old English word, bearo, which means grove. As a local name, it could also be derived from a long hill or mound.

The name is derived from “Barrow, the name of parishes and places in at least ten counties in England; from barrow, a wood or grove, from Anglo-Saxon beara, bearewe, a grove; or from barrow, a hillock or mound of earth intended as a repository for the dead, answering to the tumulus of the Latins; from Anglo-Saxon beorg a hill or hillock, byrgen a tomb.” 1

Early Origins of the Barrow family

The surname Barrow was first found in Lancashire, where they held a family seat from ancient times. “The Lancashire Barrows, who are named after a borough in the county, are best represented in the Ambleside district.” 2

One source claims the family was Norman in origin from Barou, near Falaise in Normandy. “In 1165 Robert de Jouvigny held a fief at Barrou, Normandy, of the Honour of Grent-Mesnil.” 3

While Lancashire is generally understood the family’s stronghold, Lincolnshire may have been their ancient homestead. “Roger de Barewe of Lincoln was deceased before 1271. In 1194 William de Barewe had a suit in the same county. In 1130 Adelaid de Barou occurs in Lincoln, and in 1093 Walleran de Baro witnessed a charter of Chester Abbey.” 3

The Close Rolls had two entries for the family with early spellings: Walter de la Barowe, Close Rolls, 14 Edward III and Robert de la Barwe, 3 Edward I.

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1271 had two entries Richard de Barewe, Surrey; and William de la Barewe, Essex. 4

Kirby’s Quest listed John atte Barwe, Somerset, 1 Edward III and John atte Berwe, Somerset, 1 Edward III. 5

The reader should know that early rolls were almost always listed in relationship to the year of the sovereign’s reign. In other words, “1 Edward III,” would denote “during the first year of King Edward III’s reign.”

Barrow Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Barrow has been spelled many different ways, including Barrow, Barrough, Barrows and others.