Barstow Surname: Origin, Meaning & Family History

Etymology of the Barstow Name

Topographic English name from a place in Devon, meaning 'Baer's holy place' or 'Beretric's holy place' from Old English personal name and stow

Historical Roots of the Barstow Surname

The Barstow 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 Barstow surname to 1285 in Devon, England, with the name associated with Devon, England and New England, USA. 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 Barstow name carries notable connections to the British peerage, including The Barstow family held estates in Devon and later in colonial New England, with members serving in colonial governance. 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 Barstow name has been carried by notable figures across a range of fields. These individuals represent just a fraction of the Barstow 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 Barstow arms, the College of Arms can help verify your lineage. Learn more in our guide: How Do I Find My Family Crest?

Peerage & Noble Ties

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

• The Barstow family held estates in Devon and later in colonial New England, with members serving in colonial governance

Historical peerage documents reference the Barstow 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.

Celebrated Figures Named Barstow

Related Surnames

These surnames share a similar English origin and may have historical connections to the Barstow family.

Explore England Lordship Cities

Discover the lordship history of cities connected to the Barstow family's English heritage.