The Most Popular Surname in Barbados, Ranked

Choose the surname you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:50
Identifying the most common surname in Barbados can provide interesting insights into the cultural and historical influences on the island. By examining which surnames are most prevalent, we can trace back to origins and migration patterns that have shaped the demographics of Barbados. This information can be particularly useful for genealogists, researchers, or anyone with a keen interest in sociocultural dynamics. On this site, your votes contribute to creating a live ranking of the most popular Barbadian surnames. Each vote helps paint a clearer picture of surname popularity and its changes over time. Participating in the ranking not only adds to the accuracy and richness of the data but also engages you directly in uncovering and preserving the names that carry the stories of many generations.

What Is the Most Popular Surname in Barbados?

  1. 1
    47
    votes
    This surname is of English origin and has been widely adopted in Barbados due to the country's colonial history.
    The last name 'Williams' is a common surname in Australia, originating from English and Welsh heritage. It is prevalent among individuals of British descent and is associated with various accomplishments and contributions across different fields.
    • Origin: English and Welsh
    • Popularity: It is one of the most common surnames in Australia.
    • Heritage: Associated with individuals of British descent.
    • Famous Namesakes: Includes notable Australians like Serena Williams (tennis player), Robbie Williams (singer), and David Williams (swimmer).
    • Occurrences: Found in various professions such as sports, entertainment, business, and academia.
  2. 2
    47
    votes
    This surname is also of English origin and is common in Barbados due to the Anglicization of names during the colonial era.
    Clarke is one of the most popular surnames in Barbados, with a significant presence on the island. It has a long-standing history and is shared by a large number of families across various generations.
    • Origin: The surname Clarke is of English origin.
    • Meaning: The name Clarke is derived from the Latin word 'clericus' meaning 'clergyman' or 'scribe'. It signifies someone associated with the clergy or someone who worked as a clerk or secretary.
    • Frequency: The surname Clarke ranks among the top surnames in Barbados in terms of prevalence.
    • Variations: There are several variations of the surname Clarke, including Clark, Clarkson, and Clerke.
    • Geographical Distribution: Clarke is found across the entire island of Barbados.
  3. 3
    39
    votes
    This surname is of Welsh origin and has been adopted in Barbados due to the migration of Welsh people to the island.
    Jones is a common last name in Australia, and is of English origin. It is derived from the given name John, which means 'God is gracious'. The name Jones is widely dispersed across the country, and has a long history dating back to the early British settlements. It is a popular surname that can be found in various professions and industries.
    • Origin: English
    • Meaning: 'God is gracious'
    • Popularity: Widely dispersed across Australia
    • History: Dates back to early British settlements
    • Commonality: One of the most popular last names in Australia
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    This surname is of Welsh origin and has been adopted in Barbados due to the migration of Welsh people to the island.
    Griffith is a common surname in Barbados, originating from English and Welsh origins. It is believed to have been brought to Barbados during the era of British colonization. The surname Griffith is frequently found among the population and has a significant presence on the island.
    • Origin: English and Welsh
    • Popularity: Common in Barbados
    • Migration: Brought to Barbados during British colonization
    • Presence: Significant presence on the island
    • Meaning: Derived from the given name 'Gruffudd', meaning 'strong chief'
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    This surname is of English origin and is common in Barbados due to the Anglicization of names during the colonial era.
    Sealy is one of the most popular surnames in Barbados. It originated from the English word ‘seal’ and is believed to have been adopted as a surname due to occupations related to sealing and sealing wax.
    • Origins: English word 'seal'
    • Meaning: Associated with sealing and sealing wax occupations
    • Popularity: One of the most popular surnames in Barbados
    • Geographical Distribution: Concentrated in Barbados and also found in other countries such as the United States and Canada
    • Variations: Variations of the surname include Sealey and Sealey
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    This surname is of English origin and is common in Barbados due to the Anglicization of names during the colonial era.
    Hinds is a common surname in Barbados, representing a significant portion of the population.
    • Origin: Hinds is believed to have originated from English settlers who arrived in Barbados during the colonial period.
    • Meaning: The surname Hinds is derived from the Middle English word 'hine', meaning 'servant' or 'retainer'.
    • Frequency: Hinds is one of the most prevalent surnames in Barbados, with a considerable number of individuals bearing this surname.
    • Distribution: The surname Hinds is widespread across the island of Barbados, found in various towns and villages.
    • Variations: Different variations of the Hinds surname exist, including 'Hynes' and 'Hindsman'.
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    This surname is of English origin and has been adopted in Barbados due to the country's colonial history.
    Davis is a popular last name in Australia with English origins. It is derived from the patronymic surname 'David,' meaning 'beloved' or 'friend' in Hebrew. The name Davis is associated with individuals and families of English descent who migrated to Australia. It has been widely adopted and passed down through generations, making it one of the most common surnames in the country.
    • Origin: English
    • Meaning: 'Beloved' or 'friend' in Hebrew
    • Popularity: One of the most common last names in Australia
    • Usage: Associated with families of English descent
    • Influence: Passed down through generations as a family name
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    This surname is of English origin and has been widely adopted in Barbados due to the country's colonial history.
    Smith is a common family name originating from England and Scotland. It is derived from the occupational surname meaning 'blacksmith', referring to someone who works with metal. The name Smith is one of the most prevalent surnames in the English-speaking world.
    • Origin: England and Scotland
    • Meaning: 'Blacksmith' or 'metalworker'
    • Popularity: One of the most common surnames
    • Variations: Smyth, Smythe, Schmid, Schmidt, Schmitt, Ferro, etc.
    • Famous Individuals: Will Smith, Jimmy Smith, John Smith
  9. 9
    11
    votes
    This surname is of French origin and has been adopted in Barbados due to the migration of French people to the island.
    Alleyne is a popular surname in Barbados, originating from English and Scottish ancestry. It is believed to have derived from the medieval personal name 'Alan', meaning 'little rock' or 'harmony'. The name 'Alleyne' has been passed down through generations and has become deeply rooted in Barbadian culture.
    • Origin: English and Scottish
    • Meaning: 'Little rock' or 'harmony'
    • Popularity: One of the most common surnames in Barbados
    • Ancestry: English and Scottish
    • Heritage: Barbadian
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    This surname is of English origin and is common in Barbados due to the Anglicization of names during the colonial era.
    Holder is one of the most common surnames in Barbados. It originates from the English word 'holder,' which refers to someone who holds or possesses something. The surname likely has English roots and was brought to Barbados during the colonial period.
    • Frequency: Very common in Barbados
    • Etymology: English word 'holder'
    • Origins: Likely English
    • Colonial Influence: Introduced during the colonial period
    • Distribution: Primarily found in Barbados

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Ranking factors for popular surname

  1. Frequency
    The frequency with which a surname occurs in the population of Barbados is an important factor. The more people with a particular surname, the more popular it is likely to be.
  2. Age
    The age of a surname can also be a factor. Surnames that have been in Barbados for a longer period of time may be more popular than newer surnames.
  3. Ethnicity
    Ethnicity and cultural background can also play a role in the popularity of surnames in Barbados. For example, surnames that are common among a particular ethnic group may be more popular within that group.
  4. Migration
    Migration patterns can also influence the popularity of surnames in Barbados. Surnames that are more common in countries from which immigrants have arrived in Barbados may also be more popular in Barbados.
  5. Historical events
    Historical events such as colonization, slavery, and immigration can also shape the distribution of surnames in Barbados and affect their popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular surname in Barbados. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Last is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2444 views
  • 205 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Last once every 24 hours. The rank of each Last is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular surname in barbados

Barbados, a Caribbean island nation known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, has a diverse population with a mix of African, European, and indigenous influences. As a result, the surnames found in Barbados are a reflection of this rich history. While there are many common surnames in Barbados, such as Johnson and Smith, one stands out as the most popular: Clarke. This surname has deep roots in the island's history and is thought to have been brought over by English settlers in the 1600s. Today, Clarke is not only the most common surname in Barbados but also one of the most common surnames in the English-speaking Caribbean.

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