NameCensus.

UK surname

Barrat

An Anglo-Norman surname originally denoting one employed as a sentry or watchman.

In the 1881 census there were 187 people recorded with the Barrat surname, ranking it #13,407 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 112, ranked #28,844, down from #13,407 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to London parishes, St Pancras and Manchester. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Trafford, East Hertfordshire and Cardiff.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Barrat is 319 in 1851. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 40.1%.

1881 census count

187

Ranked #13,407

Modern count

112

2016, ranked #28,844

Peak year

1851

319 bearers

Map years

7

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Barrat had 187 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #13,407 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 112 in 2016, ranked #28,844.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 319 in 1851.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Diverse Educated Urban Singles.

Barrat surname distribution map

The map shows where the Barrat surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Barrat surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Barrat over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 319 #7,273
1861 historical 270 #9,216
1881 historical 187 #13,407
1891 historical 164 #17,205
1901 historical 144 #18,505
1911 historical 194 #15,250
1997 modern 105 #26,188
1998 modern 92 #28,680
1999 modern 95 #28,465
2000 modern 87 #29,377
2001 modern 78 #30,168
2002 modern 83 #30,070
2003 modern 80 #30,425
2004 modern 83 #30,352
2005 modern 86 #30,094
2006 modern 92 #29,576
2007 modern 99 #28,852
2008 modern 100 #29,001
2009 modern 104 #28,982
2010 modern 107 #29,153
2011 modern 112 #28,117
2012 modern 111 #28,332
2013 modern 113 #28,502
2014 modern 112 #28,934
2015 modern 110 #29,157
2016 modern 112 #28,844

Geography

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Where Barrats are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around London parishes, St Pancras, Manchester and Kea. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Trafford, East Hertfordshire, Cardiff, Waltham Forest and Swindon. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 London parishes London 1
2 London parishes London 3
3 St Pancras London (North Districts)
4 Manchester Lancashire
5 Kea Cornwall

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Trafford 027 Trafford
2 East Hertfordshire 004 East Hertfordshire
3 Cardiff 028 Cardiff
4 Waltham Forest 022 Waltham Forest
5 Swindon 021 Swindon

Forenames

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First names often paired with Barrat

These lists show first names that appear often with the Barrat surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Barrat

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Barrat, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Multicultural and Educated Urbanites

Group

Diverse Educated Urban Singles

Nationally, the Barrat surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Diverse Educated Urban Singles, within Multicultural and Educated Urbanites. This does not mean every Barrat household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group includes many never-married individuals not living with dependent children. Many were born in EU countries and are now aged between 25-44. This Group is characterised by its ethnic group diversity, although those identifying as Asian are not well represented. Affiliation with the Christian religion amongst residents is low. Reported disability rates are low. Neighbourhoods include some central locations in London and other major cities. Private renting is the norm, and there is some overcrowding. Many individuals are educated to degree level, and full-time employment is common, particularly in managerial and professional occupations.

Wider pattern

Established populations comprising ethnic minorities together with persons born outside the UK predominate in this Supergroup. Residents present diverse personal characteristics and circumstances: while generally well-educated and practising skilled occupations, some residents live in overcrowded rental sector housing. English may not be the main language used by people in this Group. Although the typical adult resident is middle aged, single person households are common and marriage rates are low by national standards. This Supergroup predominates in Inner London, with smaller enclaves in many other densely populated metropolitan areas.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Barrat is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Barrat is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Barrat falls in decile 5 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Barrat is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Barrat, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Barrat

The surname Barrat is believed to have originated in France during the medieval period. It is derived from the Old French word "barre," which means "bar" or "barrier." The name likely referred to someone who lived near a barrier or gate, or someone who worked as a gatekeeper.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Barrat can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of land and property commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions a landowner named Robert Barrat in the county of Lincolnshire, England.

During the Middle Ages, the surname Barrat was also found in various regions of France, particularly in the northern and central areas. The name appeared in different spellings, such as Barrat, Barratt, and Barrat, reflecting the variations in local dialects and scribal practices.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named Jean Barrat was a prominent merchant and landowner in the city of Rouen, Normandy. He is mentioned in several historical records from that time, indicating the family's influence and status.

Another noteworthy individual was Thomas Barrat, a renowned English scholar and clergyman who lived in the 15th century. He was educated at the University of Oxford and served as the Bishop of Lincoln from 1454 to 1470.

During the Renaissance period, the Barrat family produced several artists and intellectuals. One of the most celebrated was Pierre Barrat, a French painter and engraver who lived from 1542 to 1598. His works were widely admired and can be found in various museums across Europe.

In the 17th century, a prominent member of the Barrat family was Jacques Barrat, a French military officer and engineer. He played a significant role in the construction of fortifications and defensive works during the reign of Louis XIV.

Another notable figure was Sir John Barrat, an English politician and landowner who lived from 1678 to 1743. He served as a Member of Parliament for several constituencies and was known for his involvement in local affairs.

These are just a few examples of individuals bearing the surname Barrat throughout history. The name has spread across various countries and regions, reflecting the migration patterns and cultural exchanges that have shaped its legacy over the centuries.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Barrat families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Barrat surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Middlesex leads with 43 Barrats recorded in 1881 and an index of 2.38x.

County Total Index
Middlesex 43 2.38x
Lancashire 35 1.63x
Cambridgeshire 13 11.37x
Worcestershire 13 5.52x
Nottinghamshire 11 4.52x
Staffordshire 9 1.48x
Durham 8 1.49x
Kent 8 1.30x
Leicestershire 8 4.00x
Surrey 7 0.80x
Yorkshire 6 0.34x
Northumberland 4 1.49x
Cheshire 3 0.75x
Essex 2 0.56x
Lincolnshire 2 0.69x
Norfolk 2 0.72x
Warwickshire 2 0.44x
Cornwall 1 0.49x
Derbyshire 1 0.35x
East Lothian 1 4.18x
Gloucestershire 1 0.28x
Midlothian 1 0.41x
Monmouthshire 1 0.77x
Renfrewshire 1 0.72x
Shropshire 1 0.64x
Sussex 1 0.33x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Newark Upon Trent in Nottinghamshire leads with 11 Barrats recorded in 1881 and an index of 125.86x.

Place Total Index
Newark Upon Trent 11 125.86x
Ashton Under Lyne 10 21.37x
Kings Norton 7 33.13x
Leicester St Mary 7 43.32x
Whittlesey St Mary St 7 175.44x
Eccleston In Prescot 6 55.81x
Ely Holy Trinity St Mary 6 120.48x
Islington London 6 3.43x
Kensington London 6 5.98x
Liverpool 6 4.61x
Hackney London 5 4.94x
Hulme 5 11.19x
Wolverhampton 5 10.67x
Chelsea London 4 7.36x
Hammersmith London 4 9.00x
Heworth 4 37.81x
Richmond 4 32.47x
St Marylebone London 4 4.15x
Charlton Next Woolwich 3 46.73x
Crompton 3 49.18x
Fulham London 3 11.46x
Lewisham 3 9.14x
Newcastle On Tyne All Sts 3 18.70x
Barmbrough 2 307.69x
Barney 2 1052.63x
Bromsgrove 2 25.22x
Curdworth 2 476.19x
Hedworth Monkton Jarrow 2 8.60x
Hyde 2 17.02x
Norbury 2 1538.46x
Ormskirk 2 48.78x
Spitalfields London 2 14.74x
St George Hanover Square 2 6.29x
Sunbury 2 92.17x
Tunstall 2 74.91x
Upperswinford 2 100.50x
West Ham 2 2.54x
Westminster St James 2 10.78x
Acton 1 9.45x
Bermondsey 1 1.86x
Billesdon 1 192.31x
Broseley 1 36.10x
Chorlton On Medlock 1 2.94x
Croydon 1 2.05x
Deptford St Paul 1 2.11x
East Greenock 1 7.57x
Edinburgh St Cuthberts 1 1.03x
Falmouth 1 13.83x
Gnosall 1 68.03x
Halesowen 1 48.31x
Hanwell 1 31.25x
Holy Trinity 1 2.33x
Horsham 1 16.92x
Huddersfield 1 3.84x
Lambeth 1 0.64x
Linthwaite 1 26.60x
Manchester 1 1.04x
Newcastle On Tyne 1 344.83x
Oldbury 1 8.63x
Sandhurst 1 138.89x
Saul 1 270.27x
Skenfrith 1 256.41x
South Normanton 1 50.51x
St Sepulchre London 1 37.88x
Stamford All Sts 1 61.73x
Stenton 1 270.27x
Stoke Upon Trent 1 1.55x
Waltham 1 217.39x
Wigan 1 3.34x
Witton Cum Twambrooks 1 28.17x
York St George 1 70.92x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Barrat surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 15
Sarah 6
Ann 5
Annie 4
Eliza 4
Elizabeth 4
Emma 4
Alice 3
Ellen 3
Harriet 3
Ada 2
Emily 2
Fanny 2
Isabella 2
Jane 2
Selina 2
Agnes 1
Amelia 1
Arthur 1
Bridget 1
Caroline 1
Eliz. 1
Elizebeth 1
Esther 1
Eva 1
Grace 1
Hannah 1
Henrietta 1
Hephzibah 1
Hortense 1
Julia 1
L. 1
Lavinia 1
Margaret 1
Margerit 1
Maria 1
Marie 1
Martha 1
Marthe 1
Maud 1
Priscilla 1
Rebecca 1
Sophey 1
Susan 1
Winfred 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Barrat surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
William 15
James 9
John 7
Thomas 5
George 4
Patrick 4
Albert 3
Henry 3
Joseph 3
Peter 3
Samuel 3
Arthur 2
Charles 2
Richard 2
Adam 1
Anthony 1
Auguste 1
Austin 1
Benjamin 1
Chas.Jno. 1
Edward 1
Edwd. 1
Francis 1
Fred 1
Frederic 1
Frederick 1
Herbert 1
Jean 1
Josep. 1
Matthias 1
Michael 1
Reuben 1
Sammuel 1
Sidney 1
Thos. 1
Vincent 1
Wiliam 1
Wm. 1

FAQ

Barrat surname: questions and answers

How common was the Barrat surname in 1881?

In 1881, 187 people were recorded with the Barrat surname. That placed it at #13,407 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Barrat surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 112 in 2016. That gives Barrat a modern rank of #28,844.

What does the Barrat surname mean?

An Anglo-Norman surname originally denoting one employed as a sentry or watchman.

What does the Barrat map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Barrat bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.