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Home › Baby Names Directory › Barnabas

Barnabas

♂ Boy

Pronounced BAR-nə-bəs /ˈbɑr.nə.bəs/High

Meaning: From Aramaic, 'son of encouragement' or 'son of consolation/prophecy' — the New Testament apostleMedium

In 30 seconds: Son of encouragement: Barnabas is the apostle's name — 'son of consolation'. Devout, vintage, and warm.
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Origin MediumAramaic, Greek
MeaningFrom Aramaic, 'son of encouragement' or 'son of consolation/prophecy' — the New Testament apostle
U.S. rank (2025)#3669 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births30 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 605

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519202025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Barnabas comes from Aramaic, 'son of encouragement' or 'son of consolation/prophecy' — the New Testament apostle who encouraged the early church and traveled with Paul. A devout, vintage name with the friendly nickname Barney.

It registers thinly today. Rare, son-of-encouragement at the root, and devout.

Did you know? Barnabas, 'son of encouragement', was an early apostle and companion of Paul, famed for his generosity and warmth — a devout, vintage New Testament name.
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Barnabas — etymology

Variations

BarnabyBarnaBarnabus

Nicknames

Barney

Famous Bearers

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If you like Barnabas…

Thaddeus— a fellow apostle name
Matthias— a companion New Testament name
Silas— another Pauline-era name
Andreas— a fellow Greek choice
Tobias— another Greek name

Explore names like Barnabas

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By meaningBrave / Courage

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Barnabas mean?

Barnabas is Aramaic for 'son of encouragement; son of consolation'.

How do you pronounce Barnabas?

It's said BAR-nə-bəs /ˈbɑr.nə.bəs/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Barnabas a boy or girl name?

Barnabas is a boy's name.

How popular is Barnabas?

Barnabas is a rare name in the U.S.

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