Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 BAR-klee /ˈbɑːr.kli/
"Son of barley"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
A name derived from Old English 'bear' and 'clif' or Old Norse 'barkr' and 'leikr' meaning 'son of barley' or 'stony clearing'. In the Bible, Barclay could refer to Barclay the son of Abaddon mentioned in the book of Numbers. The name also has connections to St. Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles.
Barclay may refer to:
The name Barclay is of Aramaic origin, derived from 'Barclay', meaning 'son of Barclay' or 'noble'. It has been adopted into various Christian cultures, symbolizing nobility and divine favor. Historic…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: Inspiration, intuition, and transformation.
Life Path 8 — Power & Ambition: Goal-driven, authoritative, and business-minded.
Cultural Impact
The name "Barclay" has its roots in the Old English and Old Norse languages, and its meaning suggests a connection to the natural world, particularly to the harvest and to the land. This could make the name attractive to those who value a strong connection to the earth and to traditions.
Spiritual Significance
From a spiritual perspective, the name "Barclay" could be seen as a reminder of God's provision and care. The name's potential connection to the Old Testament figure Barclay, son of Abaddon, and to St. Bartholomew, the apostle who was said to have been a faithful disciple, could inspire those with the name to emulate these figures in their own lives.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Barclay" emerges in (Biblical) tradition, carrying the core meaning "Son of barley".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~978 people named Barclay in the US. Peaked in 1970 with 31 recorded uses.
Historical records show that John Barclay, a Scottish theologian and philosopher, was born in 1582. The name Barclay carried significant spiritual weight in that era.
Historical records show that Another John Barclay, a British writer, was born in 1937. The name Barclay carried significant spiritual weight in that era.
Modern Usage
The name Barclay remains relevant in modern Christian society, representing a bridge between traditional Biblical values and contemporary life. It is widely discussed on digital platforms and continues to be a popular choice for families seeking meaningful Christian names.
Barclay means "Son of barley" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Barclay is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Barclay has (Biblical) origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Barclay is 8, associated with Power & Ambition. Soul Urge: 2. Personality: 6.
Barclay is Predominantly Male. Based on US data, 98% male and 2% female.
Approximately 978 people in the United States are named Barclay. The name peaked in 1970 with 31 recorded uses.
Related Names
Similar Sounding
From Our Database
🔍 Look up another name's meaning