Last Name Barringer

The last name "Barringer" is of English origin. It is habitational, meaning it originally referred to someone who came from a place called "Barringer" or a similar soundinig place. The root of this name might derive from Old English or Old Norse, where the suffix "-ing" signifies a group or family, while the prefix "barr" can have multiple meanings, such as "burr" meaning a "small hill" in Old English or "bjarga" meaning "to save" or "to rescue" in Old Norse. Thus, "Barringer" can be roughly interpreted as "the family from the small hill" or "the family of rescuers" depending on the root language.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Barringer

The meaning and origin of the last name Barringer

The surname Barringer has an English origin and derives from the Old English personal name "Beringar," which itself comes from the Germanic elements "bera," meaning bear, and "gar," meaning spear. The name Barringer essentially translates to "bear spear" or "bear warrior." It is believed that the surname may have been bestowed upon a person who showed qualities of strength, bravery, or a fierce nature associated with a bear.

The name Barringer first appeared in written records during medieval times in England. Over the years, variants of the name have also emerged, such as Beringer, Behringer, and Barringer. Today, individuals with the surname Barringer can be found in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. With its rich history rooted in a combination of Old English and Germanic origins, the name Barringer continues to carry on a legacy associated with strength and warrior-like attributes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Barringer

The last name Barringer is primarily found in the United States, reflecting the country's diverse population and continuous waves of immigration throughout its history. It has English roots and is most commonly seen in the southern regions, particularly in states like North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. These states have had a long-standing connection to the Barringer surname, likely due to early settlers with this name establishing themselves and their descendants in these areas. Additionally, there are scattered occurrences of the surname in other states across the country, indicating migration patterns and dispersion over time. The Barringer name has also been preserved and passed down through generations, resulting in numerous individuals bearing this surname. Although it may not be as prevalent in other countries, there can be instances of its presence due to migration and globalization. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Barringer primarily centers around the United States, particularly in the southern states.

Variants and spellings of the last name Barringer

The last name Barringer has a few variations and spellings that have been observed over time. One variation is Berringer, where the two "r"s are replaced with two "rr"s. Another variation is Behringer, which replaces the "a" with an "e". Other spellings include Beringer, Berenger, and Behranger. These variations could have come about due to different phonetic interpretations and accents in various regions. It is not uncommon for surnames to have spelling changes over the years due to migration, linguistic shifts, or personal preference. Regardless of the spelling or variation, these names likely belong to individuals who share a common ancestry. The Barringer surname itself has an English origin, derived from the old English word "beara" meaning barley and "inger" indicating a dweller or an inhabitant.

Famous people with the last name Barringer

The Barringer name may not be as widely recognized as some others, but it has still been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One prominent individual with the last name Barringer is Daniel Moreau Barringer (often known as D.M. Barringer), an American geologist and businessman. He gained significant attention for his lifelong belief that a large crater in Arizona was caused by a meteor impact, an idea that was controversial at the time. This site is now recognized as the Barringer Crater or Meteor Crater, serving as a testament to Barringer's geological insights. Another well-known Barringer is Martha Berry Barringer, an American painter who gained recognition for her portraiture and still life artwork. Though their ventures may differ, both individuals have left a lasting impact on their respective fields, and the Barringer name continues to be associated with their accomplishments.

Genealogical research on the last name Barringer

The Barringer surname is primarily of German origin and traces its roots back to the medieval period. The name is derived from the German word "Beringer," meaning "one who carries a spear." The earliest known record of the Barringer name can be found in the 13th century in the region of Hessen, Germany. Over time, individuals with this surname migrated to various parts of Europe, including Switzerland, Austria, and France. In the late 18th century, several Barringer families emigrated to the United States, settling particularly in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Their descendants continued to spread across the country, with notable concentrations in Virginia, Indiana, and Ohio. The Barringer family has been associated with diverse occupations throughout history, including farmers, merchants, craftsmen, and professionals. Today, the Barringer surname can still be found in different parts of the United States, reflecting a rich and varied family history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Barringer"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends