Barbara

Pronunciation: [ b-AHRB-er-uh ]

Girl Name #860 Most Popular Steady 3 Syllables

The saint, the icon, the #1 name of a generation

English American German Italian Spanish

Vintage Classic Strong Traditional

Meaning & Origin

"foreign woman, stranger"

Origin: Greek barbaros

Language: Greek

"traveler from a foreign land"

Origin: symbolic

Language: Latin

Things to Know About This Name

Strongly associated with the Baby Boomer and Silent Generation — the quintessential mid-century American name
Barbie doll association may feel frivolous or limiting to some parents

The Story of Barbara

Barbara comes from the Greek 'barbaros,' meaning 'foreign' or 'strange' — the same root as 'barbarian.' In ancient Greece, 'barbaros' imitated what foreign speech sounded like to Greek ears (bar-bar-bar). Despite its unflattering etymology, the name was transformed entirely by Saint Barbara, a 3rd-century Christian martyr who became one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Her patronage of soldiers, miners, and those who face sudden death made her name beloved across Europe.

Barbara was the #1 girl name in the United States from 1937 to 1939 and remained in the top 10 through the 1950s. It was the definitive name of the mid-20th century American woman. Its decline from the 1970s onward mirrors exactly the generational shift away from the names of the Greatest Generation and Silent Generation.

Saint Barbara is the patron saint of artillerymen, miners, and those in danger of sudden death — her image appears on military insignia around the world. In German-speaking countries, December 4th is 'Barbaratag.' Barbie, named after Barbara Handler (daughter of Mattel founder Ruth Handler), made the name a global pop culture phenomenon.

Fun Facts

Barbara was the #1 American girl name for three consecutive years (1937-1939), the height of her peak popularity
The Barbie doll was named after Barbara Handler, daughter of Mattel co-founder Ruth Handler — making this one name that spawned a global brand

Barbara in Other Languages

French Barbe / Barbara

German Barbara

Italian Barbara

Russian Варвара (Varvara)

Spanish Bárbara

Famous People Named Barbara

Barbra Streisand

Musician

1942

American singer, actress, and filmmaker with one of the most successful careers in entertainment history, winner of Gram...

American singer, actress, and filmmaker with one of the most successful careers in entertainment history, winner of Grammy, Emmy, Tony, and Oscar awards

Barbara Bush

Politician

1925

First Lady of the United States and literacy advocate, wife of President George H.W. Bush and mother of President George...

First Lady of the United States and literacy advocate, wife of President George H.W. Bush and mother of President George W. Bush

Saint Barbara

Religious

3rd-century Christian martyr and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, patron saint of artillerymen, miners, and those facin...

3rd-century Christian martyr and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, patron saint of artillerymen, miners, and those facing sudden death

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #860
Total SSA Count: 313
Cultural Origins: English American German Italian Spanish
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Barbie #3226

Common Nicknames

Barb Barbie Babs Bobby

Pairs Well With

Barbara Ann Barbara Jean Barbara Lee Barbara Lynn Barbara Kay Barbara Jane Barbara Marie

Sibling Names

Patricia Nancy Linda Judith Robert Thomas Richard Donald

Also a Boy Name

Barbara is also used as a boy name, ranked #35692.

View Barbara as a boy name →

Similar Names

Cora Vera Claire Samantha Clare Clarissa Andrea Jemima

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Barbara and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Barbara sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name

Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

🧝 Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
🐾 Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
🎭 Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres

Frequently Asked Questions About Barbara

What does the name Barbara mean?

"foreign woman, stranger" (from Greek barbaros). "traveler from a foreign land" (from symbolic). Barbara comes from the Greek 'barbaros,' meaning 'foreign' or 'strange' — the same root as 'barbarian.' In ancient Greece, 'barbaros' imitated what foreign speech sounded like to Greek ears (bar-bar-bar). Despite its unflattering etymology, the name was transformed entirely by Saint Barbara, a 3rd-century Christian martyr who became one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages and one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Her patronage of soldiers, miners, and those who face sudden death made her name beloved across Europe.

What is the origin of the name Barbara?

Barbara has Greek barbaros, symbolic, English, American, German, Italian, and Spanish origins. In Greek barbaros, it means "foreign woman, stranger". In symbolic, it means "traveler from a foreign land".

Is Barbara a boy or girl name?

Barbara is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #860. As a boy name, it is ranked #35692. Barbara is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Barbara?

Barbara is pronounced b-AHRB-er-uh.

How popular is the name Barbara?

Barbara is currently ranked #860 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Barbara?

Common nicknames for Barbara include Barb, Barbie, Babs, and Bobby.

What are good middle names for Barbara?

Popular middle name pairings include Barbara Ann, Barbara Jean, Barbara Lee, Barbara Lynn, Barbara Kay, Barbara Jane, and Barbara Marie.

What are good sibling names for Barbara?

Names that pair well with Barbara as siblings include Patricia, Nancy, Linda, Judith, Robert, Thomas, Richard, and Donald.

How many syllables does Barbara have?

Barbara has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Barbara a common or rare name?

Barbara is moderately common, ranked #860 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Barbara

Barbara is a girl name with English, American, German, Italian, and Spanish origins . The name means "foreign woman, stranger" in Greek barbaros .

Is Barbara a boy or girl name? Barbara is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #860 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #35,692. Barbara is more commonly used as a girl name.

Barbara is currently ranked #860 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Barbara has 3 syllables and is pronounced b-AHRB-er-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Barbara include Barb, Barbie, Babs, and Bobby. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Barbara include Barbie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.