First name (Optional)

Middle name (Optional)

Last name* (Required)

Extended search

Exact match

(Show only records that exactly match the information entered.)

Birth year (Optional)

Death year (Optional)

Birth location (Optional)

Death location (Optional)

Barbour Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Barbour Surname

The Barbour surname traces its origins to Scotland, where it first emerged in the early 15th century. Its name likely derives from the occupation of a barber, a trade that was significant in medieval society for both grooming and minor medical procedures. As an occupational surname, Barbour reflects the role of professions in shaping family identities during this period, and it has since become a notable Scottish name with a rich historical backdrop.

Over the centuries, the Barbour surname spread beyond its Scottish roots, with records indicating its presence in England by the late 15th century. The 17th century saw further expansion as the Barbour family established themselves in various English regions. This geographical spread is emblematic of the surname's adaptability and the broader movement of families during times of economic and social change. By the 18th century, the Barbour family tree extended into the United States, where it continued to grow and diversify.

YourRoots data corroborates the Barbour surname's Scottish origins and its subsequent migration to England and the United States. These records highlight a robust pattern of movement and settlement, particularly by the 19th century, when the Barbour name became increasingly prevalent. YourRoots provides a valuable resource for those tracing Barbour genealogy, offering insights into how the family adapted and thrived in new environments over the centuries.

For genealogy enthusiasts and family-tree researchers, YourRoots data reveals the enduring legacy of the Barbour surname, emphasizing its widespread distribution and historical significance. By exploring Barbour records, individuals can uncover connections that enrich their understanding of family heritage and the dynamic history of this Scottish-origin name.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Barbour Family Tree

Search more Barbour trees & genealogy records

Records

Tracing Your Barbour Family Lineage

Origin of the Barbour Family: Where does the Barbour surname come from?

The earliest known appearance of the Barbour surname is rooted in Scotland, where it can be traced back to the early 15th century. This initial record marks a significant point in the genealogical origins of the Barbour family, suggesting a lineage that likely began within Scottish communities. The name itself is believed to have connections to the occupation of a barber, indicative of trade and social roles in the medieval societal structure.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Barbour

As the centuries progressed, the Barbour family began to spread beyond its Scottish origins, with notable records emerging in England during the late 15th century. By the 17th century, family lines had established themselves more firmly in England, particularly in regions that were experiencing growth and change during this period. This expansion reflects the natural evolution of family trees, where branches formed as members ventured forth, seeking new opportunities and settling in varied locales.

Tracing the Barbour Family Tree Through the Centuries

The surname continued its journey through the centuries, expanding significantly into the United States by the 18th century. During the 19th century, the Barbour name saw a remarkable increase in prevalence, indicating a robust migration pattern and the establishment of family units in new territories. This global spread of the Barbour surname underscores the dynamic nature of genealogy, showing how families adapted and grew in diverse environments across countries such as England and the United States.

Where to Find Barbour Genealogy Records Today

In the modern centuries, the Barbour surname has continued to flourish, particularly in the United States, where it has become well-documented. As families have sought to trace their roots, the Barbour name has been prominent in various genealogical records, making it a rich area for exploration. Readers are encouraged to delve into the YourRoots database to uncover their own connections and expand their understanding of the Barbour family tree.

Famous People with Barbour (and Their Family Tree)

Haley Barbour

Haley Reeves Barbour, born October 22, 1947, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, is a prominent American attorney, politician, and lobbyist. He served as the 63rd governor of Mississippi from 2004 to 2012 and was the Republican National Committee chairman from 1993 to 1997. Barbour is recognized for bolstering Republican infrastructure in Mississippi and managing responses to Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. A co-founder of BGR Group, he is renowned as a leading lobbyist for major corporations and foreign governments.

Haley Barbour was the youngest of three sons born to Grace LeFlore (née Johnson) and Jeptha Fowlkes Barbour, Jr., a lawyer and Circuit Judge. His father passed away when he was two, and an inmate named Leon Turner, who assisted his father, was later posthumously pardoned by Barbour as governor. His brother, Jeptha Fowlkes Barbour III, served as mayor of Yazoo City from 1968 to 1972.

Julian Barbour

Julian Barbour is a prominent British physicist known for his groundbreaking research in quantum gravity and the history of science. Despite not holding an academic position, Barbour has significantly contributed to theoretical physics, particularly with his 1999 book "The End of Time," which challenges conventional perceptions of time as an illusion. His collaboration with physicist Bruno Bertotti led to the development of "best matching," a technique in Machian physics that redefines gravitational equations. Barbour's insights have sparked debate among leading physicists, including Lee Smolin and Sean Carroll. Residing near Banbury, England, Barbour also made a foray into politics, running as an Independent English Nationalist in 1974 and later engaging with the SDP.

Eilidh Barbour

Eilidh Margaret Barbour, born on December 14, 1982, is a prominent Scottish television presenter and reporter renowned for her extensive work in sports broadcasting. She became the main presenter for the BBC's golf coverage in 2017, succeeding Hazel Irvine. Barbour's career highlights include presenting roles on BBC's Sportscene, Football Focus, The Women's Football Show, and Match of the Day 2. She gained national attention as a pitchside reporter during a 2014 FA Cup match and has been a regular on Final Score since 2016. Her expertise in sports reporting was further recognized when she hosted the Women's World Cup in 2019 and covered the first Premier League game live on Amazon Prime Video.

Barbour's family influence is evident in her career, as her father played golf, and she took up the sport in her teenage years. Her mother also showed interest in learning golf, which likely fostered Barbour's engagement with the sport.

Philip P. Barbour

Philip Pendleton Barbour was a distinguished American jurist and politician, known for being the only individual to serve both as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Born in Gordonsville, Virginia, Barbour was a key figure in the Democratic-Republican Party, serving as Speaker from 1821 to 1823 and later being appointed to the Supreme Court by Andrew Jackson in 1835. His legal career was marked by strong advocacy for Jeffersonian principles, states' rights, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Barbour was born into the prominent First Families of Virginia, with his father, Thomas Barbour, being a legislator and early political sponsor of James Madison. He was named after his ancestor Philip Pendleton and was related to the influential politician and judge Edmund Pendleton. The Barbour family descended from a Scottish merchant who settled in Culpeper County, Virginia, and married Miss Taliaferro, embedding themselves in Virginia's political and social circles.

Dave Barbour

David Michael Barbour was a distinguished American jazz guitarist, known for his exceptional work with prominent orchestras and bands, including those of Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and Glenn Miller. He began as a banjoist but switched to guitar, collaborating with jazz luminaries like Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson. Barbour's career highlights include his role as co-writer, accompanist, and bandleader for his wife, singer Peggy Lee, to whom he was married from 1942 to 1951. His discography boasts recordings with legends such as Frank Sinatra and Lester Young, cementing his legacy in the jazz scene.

Barbour Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Barbour" is of Scottish origin, and it has been carried by many notable individuals across various fields, including politics, science, and the arts. Among these are John Barbour, a pioneering Scottish poet, and Haley Reeves Barbour, a former Governor of Mississippi. The name is also associated with geographical locations and a British clothing manufacturer.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Barbour

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Barbour family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Barbour surname to learn more.