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)

Barry Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Barry Surname

The Barry surname boasts a rich tapestry of origins, primarily deriving from Irish and West African roots. In the context of family history, Barry can be traced back to Gaelic origins, where it possibly serves as an Anglicized form of the personal name Bairre or Barra, linked to Irish names like Barrfind and Finnbarr, denoting "fair-headed" or "fair-haired." Additionally, the surname Barry could stem from various sources, including the Irish patronymic forms "Ó Beargha" or "Ó Báire." This name not only signifies a deep cultural heritage but also reflects a history of geographical and linguistic evolution.

Throughout history, the Barry surname has spread across different regions and cultures. Originally prominent in Ireland, particularly in Munster and south Leinster, the name later gained traction in England and Wales during the 12th and 13th centuries. This expansion was facilitated by the Cambro-Norman de Barry family, whose influence extended through the Norman invasion of Ireland. The Barry surname saw further diversification as it appeared in Scotland and Continental Europe, reflecting its adaptability and the movement of families across borders.

YourRoots data corroborates the historical presence of the Barry family in Ireland from the early 13th century, marking a foundational point for family trees branching from this origin. This aligns with the documented spread of the Barry name in Wales and England during the 12th and 13th centuries, highlighting the family's early establishment in key regions. By the 15th century, the Barry surname had solidified its roots in Ireland, showcasing the geographical mobility and growth of the Barry family throughout the centuries.

Today, Barry genealogy records continue to reveal a global presence, with YourRoots providing valuable insights into the surname's evolution and migration patterns. This ongoing legacy offers a rich source of information for anyone interested in tracing the Barry family tree, ensuring that the family's historical and cultural significance is preserved for future generations.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Barry Family Tree

Search more Barry trees & genealogy records

Records

Tracing Your Barry Family Lineage

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

The Barry surname has its earliest known appearance in Ireland during the early 13th century, marking the beginning of a significant genealogical line. This initial record not only signifies the presence of the Barry family in the historical landscape of Ireland but also serves as a foundational point for family trees branching from this early origin. As families began to establish themselves, the surname would come to embody a rich tapestry of history and lineage across various regions.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Barry

In the centuries following its emergence, the Barry family spread notably across Wales and England, particularly during the 12th and 13th centuries. The concentration of Barry families in Wales during the 13th century represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the family tree, as these branches began to establish roots in key regions. Over time, as the family grew, the Barry name became entwined with the histories of these areas, highlighting the adaptability and resilience of the family lineage.

By the 15th century, the Barry surname had taken a firmer hold in Ireland, where it experienced significant growth. This expansion not only contributed to the family tree but also showcased the geographical mobility of the Barry families as they sought new opportunities and communities to settle in, further diversifying their heritage.

Tracing the Barry Family Tree Through the Centuries

The Barry surname continued to flourish, particularly in England during the 16th and 17th centuries, where the family lines expanded in both number and geographic reach. As the family migrated, they found new homes in the United States by the 18th century, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Barry family history. This transatlantic movement illustrates how the Barry surname transcended borders, evolving into a global presence over the centuries.

Throughout the 19th century, the Barry name saw substantial growth in the United States, as many families sought refuge and opportunity in this new land. With each generation, the family trees branched further, intertwining with diverse cultures and communities, thus enriching the Barry genealogy with a variety of experiences and stories.

Where to Find Barry Genealogy Records Today

In the modern centuries, particularly in the 20th century, the Barry surname has maintained a significant presence in the United States, although its proliferation has somewhat stabilized in the 21st century. This ongoing legacy highlights the importance of the Barry family history as it continues to evolve and adapt in contemporary contexts. Readers are encouraged to explore the Barry genealogy records in the YourRoots database to uncover their own connections within this expansive family tree.

Famous People with Barry (and Their Family Tree)

Madame du Barry

Jeanne Bécu, Comtesse du Barry, was the last official mistress, or maîtresse-en-titre, of King Louis XV of France, a position that brought her both influence and notoriety at the royal court. Despite her humble beginnings as a courtesan, she captivated the king and was married to Comte Guillaume du Barry to meet court etiquette. Her presence at court was contentious, especially with Marie Antoinette, and she was ultimately executed by guillotine during the French Revolution, accused of treason. Known also as Mademoiselle Vaubernier, Jeanne's life story includes a dramatic rise to fame and a tragic end.

Jeanne Bécu was the illegitimate daughter of Anne Bécu, a seamstress, and her father is presumed to be Jean Jacques Gomard, a friar. Raised in Paris by an acquaintance of her mother, Jeanne's early life was shaped by her mother's relationships and her own beauty, which eventually led her to the French royal court.

Patricia Barry

Patricia Barry, born Patricia Allen White, was a prolific American actress with a career spanning over five decades in stage, film, and television. She gained prominence in television from 1950 to 2005, appearing in over 100 series, including iconic shows like "The Twilight Zone," "Perry Mason," and "Murder, She Wrote." Barry transitioned from Hollywood films to become a popular supporting character and guest star on television, earning three Emmy nominations for her performances. Her versatility allowed her to portray a wide range of characters, from femme fatales to socialites, in genres like Westerns, drama, and comedy.

Derrick Barry

Derrick Prentice Barry is a renowned American drag performer and Britney Spears impersonator, celebrated for his appearances on America's Got Talent and RuPaul's Drag Race. Known for capturing the essence of Spears, Barry gained fame on the third season of America's Got Talent in 2008 and later showcased his talent on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and its All Stars fifth season. His career spans international tours, music releases, and numerous appearances in films and television, including Sharknado: The 4th Awakens and War on Everyone. Barry also featured in RuPaul's Drag Race Live! in Las Vegas, performing alongside other iconic queens.

Drew Barry

Drew William Barry, born on February 17, 1973, is a former American professional basketball player renowned for his stint in the NBA and international leagues. He played for teams such as the Atlanta Hawks, Seattle SuperSonics, and Golden State Warriors, and is noted for his impressive record as Georgia Tech's all-time assists leader. Barry also showcased his versatile skills with the Sydney Kings in the NBL, achieving remarkable game stats that include a standout performance against the Cairns Taipans. His international career extended to Poland, further highlighting his global basketball influence.

Drew Barry hails from a distinguished basketball lineage, being the son of Hall of Famer Rick Barry. His grandfather, Bruce Hale, played in the NBA and coached Rick at Miami of Florida. Barry's family includes four brothers—Scooter, Jon, Canyon, and Brent—who are also basketball professionals, underscoring a rich family tradition in the sport. His stepmother is Lynn Barry.

Redmond Barry

Sir Redmond Barry (1813–1880) was a prominent Irish-born judge in the Australian colony of Victoria, best known for his pivotal role in Melbourne's early civic development. He helped establish the University of Melbourne and the State Library Victoria, serving as the university's first chancellor. Barry presided over notable cases, including the Eureka Stockade treason trials, and sentenced the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly to death. His contributions to public works, education, and law solidified his legacy as a key figure in Victorian history. Barry was knighted in 1860 and later became a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 1877.

Redmond Barry was the third son of Major-General Henry Green Barry and Phoebe Drought from Ballyclogh, County Cork, Ireland. He had a large family, with five brothers and six sisters. His education began at Hall Place near Bexley, Kent, and he later attended Trinity College Dublin, graduating in 1835.

Barry Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname Barry has diverse origins, including Irish and West African roots. In Ireland, it is often derived from the Cambro-Norman family of de Barry, prominent during the 12th-century Norman invasion, and is most commonly found in Munster and south Leinster. Additionally, Barry is a common surname among the Fula people in West Africa.

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Barry

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 Barry family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Barry surname to learn more.