Home › Baby Names Directory › Barbara

Barbara

♀ Girl

Pronounced BAR-buh-ruh /ˈbɑːr.bər.ə/High

Meaning: From Greek barbaros meaning foreign, strange, or one whose speech sounds like bar bar; used to describe non-Greek speakers and adopted as a given name through the veneration of Saint BarbaraHigh

In 30 seconds: Barbara is a classic Greek name meaning foreign woman, adopted into Christian use through Saint Barbara, patron saint of artillerymen and miners. A mid-century powerhouse, it is now a quiet vintage classic.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighGreek
MeaningFrom Greek barbaros meaning foreign, strange, or one whose speech sounds like bar bar; used to describe non-Greek speakers and adopted as a given name through the veneration of Saint Barbara
U.S. rank (2025)#968 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births264 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1947
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,436,666

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 194718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

The Greek word barbaros described any non-Greek speaker, as their speech sounded like nonsense (bar-bar). Saint Barbara, a 3rd-century martyr, gave the name its Christian prestige, and it spread throughout medieval Europe.

Barbara peaked in U.S. popularity in the 1940s–1960s, when it was one of the top five names for decades. It has a strong mid-century American identity through figures like Barbara Streisand, Barbara Bush, and Barbara Walters.

Did you know? Saint Barbara is the patron saint of artillerymen, miners, and those who work with explosives, because according to legend her father was struck by lightning after killing her for converting to Christianity. She is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers of the Catholic Church.
Overall data confidence 96%
Behind the Name — Barbara — Greek etymology and saint's historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

BarbBarbraVarvara

Nicknames

BarbBabsBarbie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Barbra Streisand (1942–present)
    American singer, actress, and filmmaker who has won two Academy Awards, ten Grammy Awards, and a Tony Award.

If you like Barbara…

Donna— same mid-century American peak and warm, classic vintage feel
Patricia— same 1940s-1960s peak and dignified vintage revival appeal
Linda— same mid-century powerhouse name now rediscovered as a vintage classic
Carol— shares the 1950s American naming era and the gentle vintage comeback

Frequently Asked

What does the name Barbara mean?

Barbara means foreign woman or stranger from Greek barbaros, which described anyone who did not speak Greek. It became a Christian name through Saint Barbara.

How do you pronounce Barbara?

It is said BAR-buh-ruh, with three syllables and stress on the first.

Is Barbara an old-fashioned name?

Barbara peaked in the 1940s-1960s and is considered a vintage name today, but it is beginning a quiet comeback as parents rediscover mid-century classics.

Who is Saint Barbara?

Saint Barbara was a 3rd-century Christian martyr and is the patron saint of artillerymen, miners, and those who work with explosives and fire.