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Barbra
How to Pronounce Barbra
Pronounced BAR-bruh /หbษหr.brษ/High
Meaning: A streamlined spelling of Barbara, from the Greek 'barbaros,' 'foreign; strange' (literally 'one who babbles a foreign tongue'). The Barbra form was carried to fame by singer and actress Barbra Streisand.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. ยท SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880โpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Barbra trims the middle vowel from Barbara, from the Greek for 'foreign woman.' The spelling belongs almost entirely to the 1960s, lifted by the young stardom of Barbra Streisand; it peaked in 1966 and faded soon after (said 'BAR-bruh').
Barbra is a boomer-era spelling tied to one famous bearer, and it has quietly receded since. Rare, mid-century, and star-linked.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Barbra mean?
Barbra is a variant of Barbara, from the Greek for 'foreign woman'; the spelling was popularized by singer Barbra Streisand.
How do you pronounce Barbra?
It's said BAR-bruh /หbษหr.brษ/ โ two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Barbra a boy or girl name?
Barbra is used here as a girl's name.
How popular is Barbra?
Barbra crested in the mid-sixties and is uncommon now.