Map of France showing where the Barrs arms are recorded
The Barrs arms were recorded in Paris, c. 1810.
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 France in this period.
Napoleon
Sovereign of the period
Napoleon
1804–1814
Reigning in France when the Barrs arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in France
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
Granting authority
The Juge d'armes de France acted as the official authority that regulated and verified coats of arms across the country.
How they got arms
Families typically inherited their arms from ancestors, though they could also receive them through royal grants or by proving their noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Coats of arms were officially recorded in the Armorial Général de France, which began its main collection in the year 1696.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of France.
Origin & History of the Barrs Family in France
The family name Barrs carries a history deeply rooted in the cultural and social landscape of early nineteenth-century France. By 1810, records confirm that members of the family were established in Paris, a city undergoing significant transformation during the Napoleonic era. The name itself likely evolved from geographic descriptors or occupational titles common in medieval Europe, where surnames were often adopted to distinguish individuals based on their local surroundings or trade. As the family navigated life in the bustling capital, they became part of the urban fabric that defined the period, living through the shifting political tides of the French Empire. Over time, the name traveled across borders, reflecting the migration patterns and social changes that shaped European families during the transition into the modern age.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Barre
A barrier, gate, or defensive obstacle.
This name
BarrsDerived from a topographical feature or a gatekeeper occupation near a town barrier.
also spelled
Baris
Bariss
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archives nationales, État civil reconstitué des familles parisiennes, 1810
Dauzat, Albert, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille et prénoms de France, 1951
Morlet, Marie-Thérèse, Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille, 1991
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
lionCourage, strength and royalty
