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Last Name Barra

What is the origin of the last name Barra?

The last name "Barra" has multiple possible origins. 1. Italian: In Italian, "Barra" is a locational surname derived from the word "barra," which means "barrier" or "bar." It could refer to someone who lived near a gate or a barrier. It has regional variations in spelling, such as "Barre" or "Barresi." 2. Galician and Portuguese: "Barra" is also a surname of Galician and Portuguese origin. In this context, it typically refers to someone who lived near a river mouth, a sandbar, or a coastal area. 3. Jewish Ashkenazi: In some cases, "Barra" can be a variant of the Jewish surname "Bar," which means "son" in Aramaic. It could be used as a patronymic surname indicating someone's father's name. It is important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings, and the information provided here highlights a few possibilities for the last name "Barra." Further research into specific family history and genealogy would be necessary to determine the exact origin in each case.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Barra

The meaning and origin of the last name Barra

The surname Barra has multiple origins and meanings. In Italian, it is a locational surname derived from the word "barra," meaning "barrier" or "bar." This suggests that the family may have been associated with a physical barrier or lived near a place marked by a barrier. Alternatively, it could have originated from the word "barra" in Spanish or Catalan, signifying a fishing net or a sandbank. In Gaelic, Barra is the anglicized form of "Barrach," which means "large," "great," or "fair-haired." This indicates that the name may have been bestowed upon an individual with these distinguishing features. Another possibility is its connection to the Barra Islands in Scotland or the Portuguese surname "Barro," meaning "clay" or "mud." As surnames often have diverse origins, variations, and meanings, the specific circumstances surrounding the surname Barra can vary depending on the cultural context and historical period.

Geographical distribution of the last name Barra

The last name Barra has a relatively limited geographical distribution, primarily concentrated in Italy and Argentina. In Italy, Barra can be found mainly in the Campania region, particularly in the province of Naples. This could be attributed to historical migration patterns and the surname's likely origin from this area. It is worth noting that Barra may have different variations in spelling, further complicating its geographic distribution analysis. In addition to Italy, Argentina is another country with a significant presence of the surname Barra. Many Italians migrated to Argentina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and this likely contributed to the spread of the name. Today, Barra remains fairly common in Argentina, especially in Buenos Aires and the surrounding areas. Outside these main regions, the occurrence of the Barra surname tends to be sporadic and less concentrated. It may be found in smaller numbers across other countries due to individual migration or diaspora communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Barra

The last name "Barra" may have various variations and spellings. Some common variations include "Barre," "Barr," "Barrera," and "Barraza." These variations can be attributed to factors such as migration, geographical location, or inaccuracies during record-keeping. Additionally, regional dialects and accents may influence the pronunciation and spelling of the name. In certain regions, the letter "r" may be emphasized or rolled, leading to the inclusion of an extra "r" in Barrera or Barraza. Furthermore, the phonetic adaptation of names when migrating to different countries can also contribute to variations. For instance, when the name Barra is adapted to English-speaking countries, it may be anglicized to "Barrow" or "Barry." Although the name "Barra" might have different variations and spellings, its diverse forms reflect the rich history and cultural diversity of its bearers.

Famous people with the last name Barra

The last name Barra is not widely known for its association with famous individuals, but it does have notable figures. One such prominent personality is Mary Barra, an American business executive, and the current chairman and CEO of General Motors (GM), one of the largest automotive companies in the world. Under her leadership, General Motors has seen significant advancements in electric and autonomous vehicles. Mary Barra has been recognized for her innovative leadership and was listed among Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world multiple times. While Mary Barra is the most well-known individual with the last name, there may be others who have made notable contributions in various fields, yet their significance may not have gained widespread recognition.

Genealogical research on the last name Barra

The last name Barra is an Italian surname with a rich genealogical history. Derived from the word "barro," meaning "mud" in Italian, it is believed to have originated around the southern regions of Italy. One possible origin of the name is the town of Barra, located in the Naples province of Campania. Over the centuries, individuals with the last name Barra have migrated to various parts of the world, especially to countries such as the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Australia, contributing to diverse family lineages. Genealogical research on the Barra surname may involve tracing immigration records, birth and marriage certificates, and census data across different regions and time periods. Additionally, exploring historical documents such as ship manifests, naturalization papers, and church registers can provide valuable insights into the ancestral roots, occupations, and familial connections of individuals with the last name Barra. The Barra name carries centuries of heritage and offers a fascinating field of study for those interested in unraveling their family history.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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