Last Name Barbour

The last name "Barbour" is of Norman origin and has its roots in the medieval French word "barbier," meaning "barber." The name was initially used as an occupational surname for someone who worked as a barber or a barber-surgeon, someone skilled in minor surgical procedures. The name eventually made its way to England as a result of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. Over time, variations of the name such as Barber, Barbor, Barbour, and others emerged, reflecting regional and dialectal differences.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Barbour

The meaning and origin of the last name Barbour

The surname Barbour is of occupational origin and is derived from the Middle English word "barbour," which ultimately stems from the Old French term "barbier." As a surname, Barbour was initially given to individuals who worked as barbers, which primarily involved tasks such as cutting hair, shaving beards, and performing minor surgeries. Barbers held a respected position in medieval society, as they also acted as dentists and bloodletters, in addition to their grooming services. The surname Barbour is relatively common in Scotland and England, where it has a long history. It is believed to have been introduced to the British Isles during the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, bearers of the name migrated to various regions and dispersed globally, particularly to North America, where the surname Barbour can also be found. Notable individuals with the surname Barbour include Benjamin Barbour, a British inventor, and John S. Barbour, an American politician.

Geographical distribution of the last name Barbour

The surname Barbour is primarily of Scottish origin and derives from the medieval occupational term "barbour," meaning a person who cuts hair or shaves beards. The geographical distribution of the last name Barbour is mostly concentrated in the United States, specifically in the southern states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This can be attributed to large-scale Scottish migration to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. There are also significant populations of Barbours in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as in Canada and Australia. In Scotland, the Barbour name is prevalent in regions such as Aberdeenshire, Angus, and Fife. Over the years, some Barbours have also migrated to other parts of the world, leading to smaller populations in countries like New Zealand and South Africa. Overall, the distribution of the last name Barbour reflects the historical patterns of Scottish migration and settlement.

Variants and spellings of the last name Barbour

The last name Barbour, of French origin, exhibits a few variations and spellings throughout history. One common variation is Barber, which often indicates the family's involvement in the hairdressing profession. Another variation is Barbor, commonly found in medieval records. Additionally, the spelling Bahrboer is another possible variant, reflecting the influence of Germanic languages on the name. Furthermore, Barbier is a French spelling variant, commonly associated with families hailing from France or French-speaking regions. Moreover, the name Barbera may also appear, representing an Italian-influenced spelling. The spelling of the last name Barbour may have evolved over time due to changes in pronunciation, dialectical influences, or the individual family's preferences. Despite the various spellings and variations, all of these variations ultimately share the same ancestral roots, with Barbour being the most recognizable and frequently used spelling today.

Famous people with the last name Barbour

The surname Barbour has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One such famous person with the last name Barbour is John Barbour (1316-1395), a Scottish poet and the first major named writer in the Scots language. His most renowned work, "The Brus," is an epic poem chronicling the life and exploits of King Robert the Bruce. Another well-known figure is David Barbour (1902-1979), an American actor who appeared in numerous Broadway productions and later became a successful talent agent, representing various Hollywood stars. Continuing the legacy, Erwin Barbour (1903-1987) was an American paleontologist and geologist, renowned for his discoveries of vertebrate fossils, particularly those of dinosaur species, in the southwestern United States. These individuals, each excelling in their respective fields, have contributed significantly to the realms of literature, entertainment, and scientific exploration, upholding the name Barbour as a distinguished one.

Genealogical research on the last name Barbour

The surname Barbour is derived from the occupation of being a barber, which referred to those who cut and styled hair in medieval times. The name has English and Scottish origins, with multiple variations in spelling such as Barbere, Barbero, and Barbour. The earliest records of individuals with this name can be found in the 13th century in England. Over time, descendants of the Barbour family migrated to different regions, including Scotland, where the name found prominence. Notable bearers of the name include Robert Barbour, a leading figure in the Scottish Wars of Independence against England in the 14th century, and John Barbour, a well-known Scottish poet and author in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, the surname Barbour can be found worldwide, carried by individuals who can trace their ancestry back to these early barber ancestors.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Barbour"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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