Holding steady, #3,658 for boys today.
Popularity of Barret since 1960
Babies named Barret per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 68 |
| 1970s | 185 |
| 1980s | 308 |
| 1990s | 219 |
| 2000s | 186 |
| 2010s | 271 |
| 2020s | 147 |
Meaning & origin
Barret is a name that has maintained a consistent but low profile in the United States since it was first recorded in 1960. It reached its peak popularity in 2019, yet even then it remained relatively uncommon. As of 2025, the name ranks 3,658, with approximately 1 in 56,936 boys given this name. The trajectory of the name has been stable, showing neither dramatic growth nor decline. Geographic distribution is limited, with Ohio as the only top state. Barret's etymology is likely tied to the Germanic 'bear-brave' tradition, giving it a sturdy, masculine feel without being overly common.
Barret is generally considered a variant of the surname Barrett, which itself derives from the Germanic personal name Bernhard, composed of 'bern' (bear) and 'hard' (brave, strong). As a given name, Barret emerged in English-speaking countries, likely influenced by the surname. Its use as a first name has been modest but steady, with a peak in popularity in the late 2010s.
Where Barret is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Barry, Barr
Variants: Barrett
Sibling names for Barret
Names that share Barret's style, for a brother or sister.
