Barrington

Meaning of Barrington

Barrington (/ˈbɑr.ɪŋ.tən/) is a masculine English name rooted in the Old English bere “barley” and tun “enclosure, settlement,” originally denoting a barley farm or fortified estate. Historically adopted as a surname by landed families in counties such as Hampshire and Somerset, it conveys a sense of dignified heritage. In the United States, Barrington appears in town names from Rhode Island to Illinois and has maintained a modest but consistent presence on Social Security registers since the 1920s—most recently ranking #915 in 2024 with nine recorded births. Its three-syllable structure strikes a balance between formal resonance and contemporary distinctiveness, appealing to parents who value both tradition and individuality. Analytically, its moderate fluctuations over the decades suggest enduring niche appeal rather than fleeting trendiness. Dryly noted, Barrington also spares its bearer the common fate of shared first-name classmates, making it a quietly confident choice.

Pronunciation

English

• Pronunced as BAIR-ing-tun (/ˈbɑr.ɪŋ.tən/)

• Harrington
• Darrington
• Arlington