Surname Barrymore - Meaning and Origin

Barrymore: What does the surname Barrymore mean?

The last name Barrymore is an Irish surname originating in Cork and Clare counties. Derived from the Gaelic word “barra” meaning “spear”, it is thought to have originally been a reference to someone with superior spear-throwing skills.

The Barrymore family has an interesting and storied history in Ireland going back to the early 11th century. The original Barrymore castle was built in Clare County in 1185 and still stands today as a popular tourist attraction. One of the most famous members of the Barrymore clan is the 19th century actor William Barrymore, who is often believed to be the model for the character of “Cervantes” in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”.

The Barrymore family is also well known in Hollywood, thanks largely to the work of actress Drew Barrymore and her grandfather, the iconic actor John Barrymore.

When it comes to meaning, the Barrymore name has long been associated with strength and courage. Spear-throwing was seen as an activity of strength and courage, and these attributes were associated with the Barrymore family. Furthermore, the Barrymore’s storied history and the success of their members in the art world attest to the strength and courage that the Barrymore name still stands for today.

Barrymore: Where does the name Barrymore come from?

The last name Barrymore is a very common one, primarily within the English-speaking world. It is particularly common in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. This could likely be due to the fact that the Barrymore surname is associated with early settlers of these countries, many of whom arrived in the early part of the 17th century.

In the United States, the Barrymore name is likely most strongly associated with the famous acting dynasty. This prominent family hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has included celebrated actors such as Ethel, John, and Lionel Barrymore. Outside of this family, the Barrymore name is widespread around the country, with proficiency being most notable in states like Massachusetts, California, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as in the regions surrounding Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas.

The Barrymore name is also popular abroad. In the United Kingdom, the Barrymore family name is listed among the top 200 most common last names. This is likely because, going back to the 16th century, many immigrants with the last name emigrated to Ireland and then later to the United Kingdom. Similarly, Barrymore is also found in the top 100 for last names in Ireland, likely as a result of the same earlier migrations.

Overall, the Barrymore surname remains a common one today, especially within the countries of the English-speaking world. With the popularity of the Barrymore name overseas as well, it’s likely to remain popular for years to come.

Variations of the surname Barrymore

The surname Barrymore is a sept of the Irish clan of O'Neill. Its oldest variants appear in both the 15th and 16th centuries, and include: Barimore, Baremore, Barrmore, Bannagbmore, Barmore, Barrimore, Barrimere, Barrimeare and Barmare.

Variant spellings throughout the centuries have included Berrehmoor, Barhamore, Berrehamore, Barrumore, Bareimour, Bareemour and Barrehmoor. Other spellings include Baramoe, Baremo, Barimo, Barymo, Barrymoe, Barmeore, Barimor, Barmoor, Barimore and Barmore.

Surnames associated with this family include Barimore, Barrimore, O'Barrymore, Barry, Barrame, Berme, Barre, Bere and O'Baramoe.

There are a number of distinguished people who have carried the surname, including Sir James Barrymore (1901 to 1957), the prominent British barrister, Col. John Barrymore (1799 to 1845), the American actor John Drew Barrymore (1931 to 2004), and Sir Maurice Barrymore (1826 to 1883), the famous British actor.

Famous people with the name Barrymore

• Drew Barrymore
• John Barrymore
• Lionel Barrymore
• Ethel Barrymore
• Diana Barrymore
• John Drew Barrymore
• Barrymore Barrymore
• Michael Barrymore
• Oliver Barrymore
• Maureen O'Sullivan (nee Barrymore)
• Jessamyn West (nee Barrymore)
• Dolores Costello (nee Barrymore)
• William Barrymore
• Jason Barrymore
• Stephen David Barrymore
• Finula Barrymore
• Aubrey Barrymore
• Clive Barrymore
• Reine Barrymore
• Francis B. Barrymore

Other surnames

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