The origin of "Barrs Lane" (or Barrs Hill for that matter) isn't certain either. There were definitely "bars" across the street where the lane joins Spon Street but that may be just a coincidence? Nowhere are the "Spon End Bars" as they were called spelt with two "r"s. Another theory is that it may be a corruption of Baron's (or Barons) Lane (as opposed to Abbotts Lane).
At one time it was known as Dead Lane (or Ded Lane) but St Osburgs cemetry didn't exist back then so that makes no sense either?