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Home › Baby Names Directory › Barnaby

Barnaby

♂ Boy

Pronounced BAR-nuh-bee /ˈbɑr.nə.bi/High

Meaning: An English form of Barnabas — from the Aramaic, 'a son of consolation/encouragement/prophecy'; a companion of the apostle Paul; we note the biblical linkLow

In 30 seconds: A son of consolation/encouragement: Barnaby forms Barnabas. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'BAR-nuh-bee'). We note the biblical link.
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Origin LowAramaic, Greek
MeaningAn English form of Barnabas — from the Aramaic, 'a son of consolation/encouragement/prophecy'; a companion of the apostle Paul; we note the biblical link
U.S. rank (2025)#12273 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1974
Total births (all-time)≈ 380

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197419532025

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

Barnaby is an English form of Barnabas — from the Aramaic, 'a son of consolation/encouragement/prophecy'; a companion of the apostle Paul (we note the biblical link). A crisp, classic name (said 'BAR-nuh-bee').

In the U.S. and U.K. it appears as a charming vintage name. Rare, a-son-of-consolation at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Barnabas is 'a son of consolation/encouragement' in Aramaic (a companion of the apostle Paul) — Barnaby is the English form, crisp and charming (we note the biblical link; said 'BAR-nuh-bee').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Barnabas — Aramaic; biblical

Variations

BarnabasBarnabeBarney

Nicknames

Barney

Famous Bearers

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If you like Barnaby…

Barnabas— the source name
Barney— the short form
Bartholomew— a fellow biblical boys' name
Augustus— a companion vintage boys' name

Explore names like Barnaby

By themegreekbiblicalaramaic
By meaningBrave / Courage

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Barnaby mean?

Barnaby is an English form of Barnabas — Aramaic 'a son of consolation/encouragement'; a companion of the apostle Paul. We note the biblical link.

How do you pronounce Barnaby?

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

Is Barnaby a boy or girl name?

Barnaby is a boy's name.

How popular is Barnaby?

Barnaby is a very rare name in the U.S.

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