Map of England showing where the Barringer arms are recorded
The Barringer 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 Barringer 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 Barringer Family in England
The Barringer name has deep roots that trace back to the medieval period in Europe, where it functioned as a descriptive surname. It is widely believed to be a variation of the Germanic name Beringer, which combines elements meaning bear and spear. This suggests that early ancestors were likely viewed as strong or fierce individuals. By the year 1620, records confirm that members of the Barringer family were well-established in the city of York, England. During this era, families often lived in the same regions for generations, working as skilled tradespeople or merchants within the bustling city walls. As the family grew, they became part of the local social fabric, eventually spreading across the country and later traveling to the American colonies to seek new opportunities.
Barringer Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Beringer
Derived from the Germanic personal name Bero meaning bear.
This name
BarringerA patronymic surname indicating a descendant of someone named Beringer or Bear-spear.
also spelled
Berenger
Beringer
Barringer
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M., A Dictionary of English Surnames, 1991
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
The National Archives, Probate records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
cross symbolChristian faith and service
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
