Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Barley

      Origin 
      English

      Meaning 
      Derived from the Grain Barley

      Variations 
      Bailey, Barney, Braley

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Barley is derived from the English word for the cereal grain, which has been cultivated for thousands of years. The term itself comes from the Old English bearwe, denoting the grain that has played a significant role in agriculture and nutrition. In naming, Barley signifies a connection to nature and the earth, often embodying qualities of growth, nourishment, and sustenance.

      Historically, Barley has been an essential crop since ancient times, valued not only as food for humans but also as livestock feed. It has deep roots in various cultures, where it was sometimes used in religious rituals and as a currency. The name Barley likely emerged as a surname in England, reflecting agrarian roots and the significance of the grain in rural life. Over centuries, as surnames transitioned into given names, Barley began to be adopted more broadly in English-speaking communities.

      In modern times, the name Barley has seen a resurgence as a unique and nature-inspired choice for newborns. Its usage remains relatively rare, making it an appealing option for parents looking for something distinctive yet grounded in heritage. Additionally, Barley continues to be associated with artisanal food products, craft breweries, and health-oriented brands, reinforcing its connection to wellness and sustainability.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Barley.
      Brown

      is the most common surname for Barley.

      Mary

      is the most common spouse name for Barley.

      Elizabeth

      is the most common child name for Barley.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1895 is when there were the most people born with the first name Barley.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.