The Bairéad - Barrett Family Crest enhanced matte paper poster. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.
The origin of the name Bairéad (Barrett)
The Irish Bairéad surname traces its origins to the Norman name “Baret,” brought to Ireland during the Norman invasion of Ireland. Settling primarily in Cork and Mayo/Galway, this family established two influential branches that quickly embraced Irish customs and culture. The surname likely derives from the Norman-French barat (meaning trader) or may have originated as a nickname for a quarrelsome individual. While the Barrett family first arrived in the 1170s, notable early records include Wattin Barrett around 1300 and John Barrett in the early 14th century.
Throughout the centuries, the Barrett family became deeply rooted in Ireland—especially in Connacht and County Mayo—growing into one of the distinguished “Old English” families who fully adopted Irish traditions and identity. This cultural integration led to Gaelicised forms of the name such as Mac Baróid, meaning “son of Baróid,” and the modern Irish form, Bairéad.
The symbolism of the Bairéad coat of arms
Visually distinctive, the Barrett shield is split vertically and features ten alternating horizontal bars in silver and red. In heraldic art, the silver bars denote peace, sincerity, and purity of motive, while the red bars represent martial valour, magnanimity, and military fortitude. Positioned above the helm, the crest displays a black demi-lion rampant, crowned in red and silver. Below the shield, the motto scroll bears the Latin phrase Honor Virtus Probitas, translating to "Honor, Virtue, Probity." This armorial layout is officially catalogued in Burke's General Armory (1884) for Barrett of Castlemore, County Cork, and Barrett of Belhouse, Essex.
Historical figures
George Barrett (c. 1730–1784): Celebrated Irish landscape painter and founding member of the Royal Academy in London.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861): Famed Victorian poet whose landmark works fundamentally shaped 19th-century English literature.
Sir William Fletcher Barrett (1844–1926): Eminent English physicist and pioneer in optics and psychical research.
Product details
- Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
- Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
- Paper weight: 189 g/m²
- Lightweight & acrylite front protector
- Hanging hardware included
No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order
This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.
About the artist
Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.
Don’t see your family name?
I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️
