Barries History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Barries

What does the name Barries mean?

The ancestors of the name Barries come from the ancient Scottish tribe known as the Dalriadans. They lived along the rugged west coast of Scotland and on the Hebrides islands and used the name to indicate a person who lived in Barry, in Angus in mid-west Scotland. The place-name Barry, often spelled Barrie, is derived from the Gaelic word borrach, which means "rough, grassy hill."

Early Origins of the Barries family

The surname Barries was first found in Angus (Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire, where they have held territories from very ancient times.

Early History of the Barries family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Barries research. Another 108 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1200, 1495, 1560, 1658, 1713 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Barries History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Barries Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of Barries have been recorded over the years, including These are the result of the medieval practice of spelling according to sound and repeated translation between Gaelic and English. Barry, Barrie, Barre, Barrey, Barree and others.

Early Notables of the Barries family

Thomas de Barry (fl. 1560), Scottish canon of Glasgow, and chief magistrate of Bothwell who wrote a poem on the battle of Otterburn, the greater part of which is...
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Barries Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Barries family to Ireland

Some of the Barries family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 74 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Barries family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Barries were among those contributors: Clement Barry who settled in St. Christopher in 1633; Elizabeth Barry settled in New England in 1765; Garratt Barry who settled in Virginia in 1681; Alice Barry settled in Barbados in 1680.

The Barries 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: Regi legi fidelis
Motto Translation: Faithful to king and law.