Meaning of the Barr family crest symbols
Shield - Chevron
The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.
Weapon - Arrow
The arrow signifies the early family's readiness for battle and affliction when threatened. It stands as a testament to family member’s success during times of war and a warning to those we may cross them.
Meaning of the Barr coat of arms colors
Silver
The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.
Yellow/Gold
The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.
Barr name meaning and origin
Barr is a surname of multiple origins. In Scottish and northern English, it's derived from the Old English 'barr', meaning 'hill', indicating a person who lived by a hill or a barrow. In Irish, it's an anglicized form of 'Ó Bairr', meaning 'descendant of Barr', with 'Barr' being a byname meaning 'fair-haired'. It's also a common surname in several Middle Eastern cultures, where it means 'of the land' in Arabic.
History of family crests like the Barr coat of arms
Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.
The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.
The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.
Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.
Barr name variations and their meaning
The family name Barr has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is Barre, which adds an extra "e" at the end. This variation may have originated from a spelling error or a desire to differentiate the name from others with a similar sound. Another variation is Barrs, which adds an "s" at the end. This variation could indicate a plural form of the name or could have been adopted to distinguish different branches of the family. Additionally, the name Barra is another variation that has been observed. This variation may have been influenced by different languages or cultures, resulting in a slightly altered spelling. Lastly, the name Bar is a shortened form of Barr. This variation could have been adopted for simplicity or convenience. Overall, these variations of the family name Barr demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of surnames over time.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com
