The name Barrett is an English given name derived from the Old English word "bearu" meaning "grove" or "meadow". It is believed to have originated as a surname in medieval times, referring to someone who lived near or worked in a grove or meadowed area.

The earliest recorded use of Barrett as a given name dates back to the late 16th century in England. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Barrett Hampden (1552-1624), an English landowner and Member of Parliament.

In the 17th century, Barrett became a popular name among Puritans in the American colonies. One notable figure was Barrett Dyer (1646-1717), a Quaker preacher and author from Massachusetts.

During the American Revolutionary War, Barrett Browning (1744-1823) served as a colonel in the Continental Army and played a role in the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775.

In the 19th century, Barrett Wendell (1855-1921) was an American educator and literary scholar who taught at Harvard University and wrote extensively on English literature.

Another notable bearer of the name was Barrett Browning (1806-1861), an English poet and wife of the famous poet Robert Browning. She is best known for her work "Sonnets from the Portuguese".

In the 20th century, Barrett Deems (1914-1998) was an American jazz drummer and bandleader who performed with many legendary musicians, including Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

Barrett Wilbert Weed (born 1972) is a contemporary American actress and singer known for her role in the Broadway musical "Mean Girls".

While the name Barrett is traditionally a male name, it has also been used as a female name in more recent times, particularly in the United States.