Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Barrett

Barrett is the transferred use of an English surname with a somewhat obscure origin. Most likely, Barrett is derived from the Middle English word “baret” which means “dispute” and probably originated as a medieval nickname for a quarrelsome, argumentative person. The surname also conjures up Syd Barrett, the tortured front man and founding member of one of the greatest rock bands ever: Pink Floyd. It also reminds us of the English Victorian poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. In any case, Barrett is a surname-turned-first-name used primarily in the United States. The etymology of the name is lively and strong in our opinion. We ask you: who doesn't need a little "dispute" in their life?

All About the Baby Name – Barrett

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME BARRETT

The Three energy is powerful and enthusiastic. These personalities are cheerful, full of self-expression, and often quite emotional. They have an artistic flair and "gift-of-gab" that makes them natural entertainers. Their joyfulness bubbles over, and their infectious exuberance draws a crowd. The Three personality is like a child - forever young and full of delight. They are charming, witty, and generally happy people. The Three personality lives in the "now" and has a spontaneous nature. Threes seem to live with a bright and seemingly unbreakable aura that attracts others to them. In turn, they are deeply loyal and loving to their friends and family. Luck also has a tendency to favor number Threes.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME BARRETT

Barrett appeared on the American male naming charts briefly in the late 1880s but, for the most part, as a forename it was rare and unfamiliar. It wasn’t until 1954 that Barrett came back onto the charts and this time for good. Barrett showed some erratic behavior on the charts in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, but was generally growing in usage and showing a promising trajectory. Then in the 1980s and 90s, the name started to go out of style and looked as if he might retreat back into the shadows and fall off the American radar forever. Fortunately, the name has rebounded in the 21st century as he reverses his direction on the charts and is now returning to levels of low-moderate usage. Barrett is a strong-sounding masculine name, and we can’t help but to giggle over the etymology. Some people might find it negative, but we find it funny. A quarrelsome or argumentative person is not always a bad thing (and a good quality for future lawyers); but be careful...you may just get what you asked for.

Quick Facts

ON BARRETT

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

357

PRONUNCIATION:

BARE-ət

SIMPLE MEANING:

Dispute

Characteristics

OF BARRETT

Communicative

Creative

Optimistic

Popular

Social

Dramatic

Happy

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Barrett

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BARRETT

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Barrett

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BARRETT

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Barrett


Popular Songs

ON BARRETT

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Barrett


Famous People

NAMED BARRETT

Barrett Brooks (football player)
Barrett Green (football player)
Barrett Ruud (football player)
Barrett Strong (musician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED BARRETT

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Barrett

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BARRETT

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Barrett