The surname "Barneveld" is of Dutch origin and is most commonly associated with the town of Barneveld in the Netherlands. It is a toponymic surname, meaning it is derived from a geographic location. Families with this surname may have historical ties to the region or its notable figures. One prominent historical figure with the surname is Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, a significant statesman in the Dutch Republic during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He played a crucial role in the political landscape of the time, particularly in the struggle for independence from Spanish rule.