Show ContentsBarugh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Barugh is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from 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 Barugh family

The surname Barugh 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."

Early History of the Barugh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Barugh research. Another 68 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1192, 1242, 1483, 1497, 1534, 1550, 1593, 1599, 1613, 1630, 1677 and 1680 are included under the topic Early Barugh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Barugh Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Barugh are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. Scribes and monks in the Middle Ages spelled names they sounded, so it is common to find several variations that refer to a single person. The variations of the name Barugh include: Barrow, Barrough, Barrows and others.

Early Notables of the Barugh family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Thomas Barowe or Barrow (d. 1497?), English ecclesiastic and judge, Rector of Olney in Buckinghamshire, and was appointed to a prebend in St. Stephen's Chapel in the palace of Westminster in July 1483, shortly after the accession of Richard III, and in September of the same year to the Mastership of the Rolls. [6]Peter Baro (1534-1599), English controversialist, son of Stephen Baro and Philippa Petit, his wife, was...
Another 76 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Barugh Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Barugh migration to the United States +

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Barugh or a variant listed above:

Barugh Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Joseph J. Barugh, aged 49, originally from Redcar, England, who arrived in New York in 1918 aboard the ship "Mauretania" from United Kingdom [7]
  • Robert Barugh, aged 57, who arrived in New York in 1921 aboard the ship "Celtic" from Liverpool, England [7]


The Barugh Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Parum sufficit
Motto Translation: A little is enough.


  1. Charnock, Richard, Stephen, Ludus Patronymicus of The Etymology of Curious Surnames. London: Trubner & Co., 60 Paternoster Row, 1868. Print.
  2. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
  3. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  4. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  5. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  6. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  7. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


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