Show ContentsBargh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Bargh

What does the name Bargh mean?

The name Bargh is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name was taken on by someone who worked as a barge-man. Three of the earliest instances of the name were royal bargemen for King Edward III, who reigned from 1327 to 1377. One of these three people's name explicitly indicates the occupational nature of the name Petrus del Barge. A modern transliteration of his name would be Peter of the Barge. 1

Early Origins of the Bargh family

The surname Bargh was first found in county Worcestershire, where Robert de le Bergh was recorded in 1221. 2 Later in Yorkshire, we found Patricius Bargeman listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. 1

Early History of the Bargh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bargh research. Another 116 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1359, 1379, 1579, 1666 and 1749 are included under the topic Early Bargh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bargh Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Bargh include Bargery, Bargerey, Barge, Bargeman, Bargman, Bargh, Berge and many more.

Early Notables of the Bargh family

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

Migration of the Bargh family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Balzasar Bargman, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1754; Giles Barge, who arrived in Maine in 1669; Jacob Barge, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1760; George Barge, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1770.



  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. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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