Barrass Family History

The name is a variant of Barrows. According to the Redmonds Dictionary of Yorks Surnames, records indicate that William Barowes was mentioned in 1547 and John Barras in 1638, both found in Knaresborough Wills (Knaresborough WR Yorks).

The name may refer to a large or tall person and is derived from the Old French term barrace, meaning ‘large bar’ or ‘bulky obstacle’. This interpretation suggests a possible link to size and stature.

It's also plausible that the name originates from the same word in a technical sense, depicting ‘the outwork of a fortress’. This military connotation offers additional context for the usage of the term.

Furthermore, the name may be understood as a re-spelling of Barros, emphasizing its varied forms and cultural adaptations over time.