A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barrette family of England.
Reg. 7995 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
Colours
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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)
“Sa. a chev. ar. betw. three hawks' heads erased or”
Englandc. 1620
Where the Barrette Arms Were Recorded
York
Map of England showing where the Barrette arms are recorded
The Barrette 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 Barrette 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 Barrette Family in England
The surname Barrette has deep roots that trace back to medieval France, where it originated as a descriptive name. It was often used to identify someone who wore a specific type of cap or bonnet, which was known as a barrette. By the early 17th century, members of the family had established themselves in England, with records confirming their presence in the city of York by 1620. During this period, the family likely worked in trades or crafts common to urban centers, as York was a major hub for commerce and administration. As the family grew and moved, they carried this name across borders, eventually becoming part of the colonial expansion into North America. The history of the name reflects the movement of people across Europe and their eventual transition into new lives in the New World.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Barat
Old French term meaning a deceit, trick, or fraud.
This name
BarretteA nickname for a person who was considered a deceiver or a trickster.
also spelled
Barret
Barrett
Baret
Barratt
Barett
Related arms
Barretvariant spelling
Barret de Nazarisvariant spelling
Barrett de Castlemorevariant spelling
Baretvariant spelling
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, UK, York City Archives: Chamberlains' Account Rolls, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
falconOne eager and quick in pursuit
