Last Name Barrera

The last name "Barrera" has its origin in Spanish. It is derived from the word "barra," which means "bar" or "beam" in Spanish. The surname "Barrera" was often given to those who worked with or lived near barriers, such as gatekeepers or those who controlled access to certain areas. Over time, the last name became hereditary and passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Barrera

The meaning and origin of the last name Barrera

The surname Barrera is of Spanish origin and has a rich history. It is derived from the Spanish word "barrera," which translates to "barrier" or "fence" in English. This surname is believed to have originated from the medieval occupation of a barrier maker, someone who constructed barriers or fences. As people started to settle in villages and towns, the need for enclosing land and protecting properties grew, leading to the development of this occupation.

Over time, individuals with the surname Barrera spread beyond Spain and can now be found in various countries around the world. Immigration and globalization have played significant roles in the dispersion of this surname, particularly to Latin American countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. Today, Barrera is a fairly common surname and continues to be cherished by numerous families who proudly carry on their ancestral heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Barrera

The surname Barrera has a relatively widespread geographical distribution, with notable concentrations in various regions of the world. One significant area where the name is prominent is in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia, Asturias, and Andalusia. In Latin America, the surname can commonly be found in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile. It is especially prevalent in Mexico, where it ranks among the top 50 surnames in the country. In the United States, the surname Barrera is most commonly found in states with significant Hispanic populations, including Texas, California, and New Mexico. Additionally, it is worth noting that due to migration and diaspora, there are Barrera families and individuals present in other parts of the world, such as Canada and Australia. Overall, while the surname Barrera has a strong presence in Spain and Latin America, its geographical distribution extends to various other countries as well.

Variants and spellings of the last name Barrera

The last name Barrera can have various variations and spellings due to regional accents, historical influences, and individual adaptations. Some common variations include Barerra, Barera, Berrera, Barerra, Varrera, Bareas, and Barrerra. These alternative spellings are often the result of different phonetic interpretations or anglicized versions of the original surname. The surname's origins are believed to be Spanish, specifically derived from the word "barrera," which means "barrier" or "obstacle." Over time, the last name has spread beyond Spain, reaching Latin American countries like Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and others. The Barrera name has also been adopted by individuals of Hispanic descent who have emigrated to English-speaking countries, leading to further variations in spelling based on English phonetics. Regardless of its form, the last name Barrera carries a rich historical depth and cultural significance throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

Famous people with the last name Barrera

One famous person with the last name Barrera is Marco Antonio Barrera. He is a former professional boxer from Mexico and is considered one of the greatest featherweight boxers of all time. Barrera is known for his aggressive style in the ring and his impressive skills. Throughout his career, he competed against several renowned boxers and achieved numerous victories, earning him a spot in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017. Another well-known individual is Carlos Barrera, a Colombian footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He had a successful career, representing his country in international competitions and playing for various clubs in Colombia, Mexico, and the United States. Barrera was known for his agility and shot-stopping abilities, making him one of the notable goalkeepers of his time.

Genealogical research on the last name Barrera

The surname "Barrera" is of Spanish origin and has a fascinating genealogical history. It is derived from the word "barrera," meaning "barrier" or "obstacle," and was likely a topographic or occupational name referring to someone who lived near a barrier, such as a mountain range or a tollgate. The Barrera family can be traced back to medieval times in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in regions like Castile, Catalonia, and Andalusia. Over time, members of the Barrera clan migrated to different parts of the world, including the Americas. Today, you can find individuals bearing the last name Barrera in various countries, particularly in Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States. Conducting a thorough genealogical research on the Barrera surname would involve exploring ancestral documents, parish registers, census records, and possibly connecting with other Barrera families to piece together a comprehensive family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Barrera"
• 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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