The Barnett Surname in Ireland: Rare but Rooted

Barnett is an Anglo-Norman surname (from Bernard or "cleared by burning") that arrived with the 12th-century invasion. It never became numerous in Ireland.

1901 Census Snapshot

• Total Barnetts: 208 individuals
• Share of population: 0.004% (4 per 100,000)
• Concentration: Dublin (62), Antrim (31), Cork (18), Down (15), Londonderry (12)
• Religion: Predominantly Church of Ireland / Presbyterian (planter heritage)

Historical Context

• 17th-century plantations (Ulster, Munster) brought Barnett families as tenants/artisans.
• 19th-century emigration (Famine, economic) reduced numbers further—many to US, Canada, Australia.
• Notable Irish Barnetts: John Barnett (1802–1890, composer, born in Bedford but Irish parentage); Samuel Barnett (1844–1913, social reformer, Toynbee Hall founder, born Bristol to Irish parents).

Modern Estimates

Forebears.io (2024) suggests ~1,200 Barnetts in Republic + NI combined—still rare. Variants: Barnard, Barnet, Barnettson.

If you're tracing Irish Barnetts, focus on Ulster plantation records, Church of Ireland registers, and Griffith's Valuation (1847–1864).