Barrett
Barrett is a boys' name of English origin meaning “quarrelsome, warlike.” It ranked #171 in the United States in 2025. Barrett is a surname of Norman origin, common in England and Ireland since the Norman invasion.
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how do you pronounce Barrett?
BARE-it
where does the name Barrett come from?
The surname comes from more than one origin: the Irish Baireid, glossed as quarrelsome; Baraud, from a word for trickery or deception; and a Norman surname with the sense warlike or troublesome.
Several sources converge in it, among them the Irish Bairéid, quarrelsome, and Baraud, from a word for trickery; its sense is usually given as warlike or troublesome. It has grown popular as a first name for its sturdy, confident sound.
how popular is this name?
Barrett has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 74 years since 1886, and fell outside it for 66. It peaked at #171 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #171 |
| 2024 | #187 |
| 2023 | #206 |
| 2022 | #208 |
| 2021 | #193 |
| 2020 | #193 |
| 2019 | #209 |
| 2018 | #213 |
| 2017 | #234 |
| 2016 | #261 |
| 2010 | #541 |
| 2000 | #983 |
| 1990 | #697 |
| 1980 | #636 |
| 1970 | #825 |
| 1960 | #876 |
| 1886 | #959 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Barrett fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Barrett
As a Norman surname it became established in England and Ireland after the Norman Invasion, and its use as a given name came later.
who are famous people named Barrett?
- Barrett Strong (American singer-songwriter, first Motown hit)
- Barrett Foa (American actor)
what are the nicknames and variants of Barrett?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Barrett?
what names go well with Barrett?
Sibling names that share Barrett's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Barrett
What does the name Barrett mean?
Barrett means “quarrelsome, warlike”.
What is the origin of the name Barrett?
Barrett comes from the English naming tradition. Related forms include Barret and Barratt.
How popular is the name Barrett?
Barrett ranked #171 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2025, at #171, and it has spent 74 years in the top 1,000 since 1886.
Is Barrett a boy or girl name?
Barrett is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Barrett?
Barrett is pronounced BARE-it, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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