Barela Surname: Origin, Meaning & Family History

The Meaning Behind Barela

A Spanish surname derived from 'barela' or 'varela,' which refers to a small rod, rail, or picket, possibly an occupational name for a maker of rails or fences, or a topographic name for a place enclosed by railings. It is particularly common in the Galicia region of Spain.

The Barela Family Through History

The Barela surname has been part of the English landscape since the medieval period. The development of hereditary surnames in England accelerated after the Norman Conquest, as record-keeping became more systematic and families needed fixed identifiers for legal and property purposes.

Historical records trace the Barela surname to 14th century, with the name associated with Galicia and Castile, Spain. Parish records, tax rolls, and manorial documents from this period provide evidence of the family's presence and standing in their local communities. The geographic distribution of a surname often reveals important clues about a family's origins and the movements of their ancestors over the centuries.

The Barela name carries notable connections to the British peerage, including The Barela family in the American Southwest descends from early Spanish colonial settlers in New Mexico, where they established themselves as one of the founding Hispano families. Casimiro Barela (1847–1920) served as a New Mexico and Colorado state senator for over 30 years, known as the 'Perpetual Senator.'. These connections place the family within the broader network of titled families that have shaped British history. The peerage system recognises five ranks of nobility—Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, and Baron—and families connected to this system held positions of influence in Parliament, the military, and the administration of the realm.

The Barela name has been carried by notable figures across a range of fields. Casimiro Barela (Colorado state senator, 'Perpetual Senator'), known as colorado state senator, 'Perpetual Senator', demonstrated the family name's reach beyond the traditional aristocracy. Lorenzo Barela (New Mexico colonial landowner), new Mexico colonial landowner, further illustrates the diverse contributions of those bearing this surname. These individuals represent just a fraction of the Barela legacy that continues to unfold.

Coat of Arms

Coats of arms were granted to specific individuals and their descendants, not to everyone sharing a surname. If you believe you may be entitled to bear the Barela arms, the College of Arms can help verify your lineage. Learn more in our guide: How Do I Find My Family Crest?

The Barela Name in the Peerage

This surname has significant connections to noble families and titled individuals.

• The Barela family in the American Southwest descends from early Spanish colonial settlers in New Mexico, where they established themselves as one of the founding Hispano families. Casimiro Barela (1847–1920) served as a New Mexico and Colorado state senator for over 30 years, known as the 'Perpetual Senator.'

Historical peerage documents reference the Barela family, demonstrating their place within the broader framework of British nobility and social hierarchy. To understand where these titles sit in the hierarchy, see our interactive peerage hierarchy chart.

Distinguished Bearers of the Barela Name

Related Surnames

These surnames share a similar Spanish origin and may have historical connections to the Barela family.

Explore England Lordship Cities

Discover the lordship history of cities connected to the Barela family's Spanish heritage.