Show ContentsBaberey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

It was among those Anglo-Saxon tribes that once ruled over Britain that the name Baberey was formed. The name was derived from a baptismal name meaning son of Barbara. 1 In some instances, the name may have also been a nickname for someone, such as a Moor or Berber, who appeared to be of North African heritage. In such a case the name is a reference to the Barbary Coast of North Africa.

Another source notes that the name may be Norman in origin as he notes that "Barberi, famous of Old Forits Abbey (1170), is a parish near Falaise, in Normandy." 2

Early Origins of the Baberey family

The surname Baberey was first found in London, where the BarBerry spelling was the most popular. Late marriage records show: William Grosse and Barbery Marbeck were married at St. Antholin (London) in 1581. (Note the use as a forename) Helline, daughter of Henrie Barbery, was buried at St. James, Clerkenwell in 1609. Barbery, daughter of Jeremiah and Barbery Bird married at St. Mary Aldermary in 1696 and Francis Lee and Catherine Barberry were married at St. James, Clerkenwell in 1715. 1

Early History of the Baberey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Baberey research. Another 203 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1500, 1609, 1674, 1692 and 1715 are included under the topic Early Baberey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Baberey Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Baberey include Barberry, Barbary, Barbery, Barberrie, Baberie, Berberry and many more.

Early Notables of the Baberey family

More information is included under the topic Early Baberey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Baberey family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Baberey were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Thomas Barbery of Maryland who arrived in 1666.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.


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