A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barrow family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 1037 · English, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bordureA difference between branches of one family
swordJustice, and military honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
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. two swords in saltire, ar. betw. four fleurs-de-lis or, within a bordure gobony of the second and per pure (another, ar. and purp.)”
NorfolkWinthorpe · Norfolk, c. 1506
Where the Barrow Arms Were Recorded
Norfolk
Map of England showing where the Barrow arms are recorded
The Barrow arms were recorded in Norfolk, c. 1506.
Norfolk grew rich on wool and grain, and its wealth was spread among many middling families rather than a few great ones. Households of that kind bought land and took arms, and the county holds a large share of English names.
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.
Henry VII of England
Sovereign of the period
Henry VII of England
1485–1509
Reigning in England when the Barrow 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 Norfolk.
Origin & History of the Barrow Family in England
The surname Barrow is a locative name, meaning it was originally used to identify people by the landscape features near their homes. In Old English, the word *bearu* referred to a grove or a wooded hill, while *beorg* described a mound, a burial tumulus, or a hill. As people began to adopt fixed surnames in medieval England, those living near these prominent landmarks became known as "of the Barrow." By the early sixteenth century, the family had established a notable presence in the county of Norfolk. Records from 1506 confirm that members of the Barrow family were active in this region, where they likely integrated into the local agricultural and social structures of East Anglia. Over time, the name spread from these rural roots as family members moved into towns and cities, eventually becoming a recognized name across various parts of the English countryside.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
swordJustice, and military honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
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. two swords in saltire ar. betw. four fleurs-de-lis or”
Irelandc. 1649
Where the Barrow Arms Were Recorded
Dublin
Map of Ireland showing where the Barrow arms are recorded
The Barrow arms were recorded in Ireland, c. 1649.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
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 Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Barrow arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Barrow Family in Ireland
The Barrow family name has a distinct history in Ireland that traces back to the mid-seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the family were established in Dublin by 1649, a period defined by significant political and social upheaval following the arrival of Oliver Cromwell’s forces. During this era, the name was often associated with individuals who moved between England and Ireland to participate in the administration or military efforts of the time. While the name likely originated as a descriptive term for someone living near a mound or a watercourse, its presence in Dublin suggests that the early Barrows were part of the growing urban middle class. These settlers integrated into the city’s trade and civic life, helping to solidify the name within the local records of the capital. Over the following decades, the family expanded their influence, moving from their initial base in Dublin to other parts of the country as they established roots in their new home.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
beorg
Old English term referring to a hill, mound, or burial tumulus.
This name
BarrowA topographic name for someone who lived near a hill or a prehistoric burial mound.
also spelled
Barough
Barowe
Related arms
Atbarow, or Atboroughsame arms
Boroughsame arms
Aborough, or Abarowsimilar arms
Barough, or Barrowvariant 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, Percy Hide, A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
The National Archives, Early Chancery Proceedings, C 1/298/53, 1506
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bordureA difference between branches of one family
swordJustice, and military honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
bordureA difference between branches of one family
swordJustice, and military honour
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
