A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barett family of England.
Reg. 6497 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Gu. a chief indented ar”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Barett Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Barett arms are recorded
The Barett arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Barett arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Barett Family in England
The surname Barrett has deep roots in England, evolving from the medieval personal name Baret, which likely originated as a nickname for a person who was considered cunning or deceptive. By the early 17th century, members of the family had established a notable presence in the historic city of York. During this period, York served as a vital northern hub for trade and administration, placing the family at the center of a bustling urban society. As the family settled into the region, they became part of the local fabric, participating in the daily life and economic growth of the city. Their presence in York by 1620 suggests that they were well-integrated into the community long before the major migrations to the American colonies began. This early history reflects the broader movement of families who sought stability and opportunity within England's most significant provincial centers during the Stuart era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
baro
A Germanic or Old French word meaning a man or warrior.
This name
BarettA nickname for a person who was considered strong or brave like a warrior.
also spelled
Barrette
Related arms
Barrettevariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
York City Archives, York City Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
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chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
