Barbara
The Meaning & Origin of the Name Barbara
Barbara is a Latin girl name, which has 7 letters.
Barbara is a Latin name meaning “foreign woman” or “stranger”. It is also connected to the Greek word “barbaros”, which means “stranger” or “barbarian”. The name is often associated with the Christian saint Barbara, who was martyred for her faith in the fourth century.
Rating
Log in to save this name to your favorites.
What to Expect When You're Expecting
Buy On Amazon
The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be
Buy On Amazon
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
Buy On Amazon
Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years
Buy On Amazon
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
Buy On AmazonThese are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Detailed Information About The Name Barbara
The name 'Barbara' is of Greek origin and has been in use since ancient times. It is derived from the Greek word 'barbaros,' which means 'foreign' or 'barbarian.' The name Barbara became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages and has a strong religious association as it is linked to Saint Barbara, a third-century Christian martyr. Saint Barbara was revered for her faith and endurance, and she became the patron saint of various professions and causes, including artillerymen, miners, and architects. As a given name, Barbara gained widespread popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century.
The name Barbara carries various meanings, including 'strange,' 'exotic,' or 'foreign.' It can also symbolize strength, courage, and determination due to its association with Saint Barbara. In terms of popularity, Barbara enjoyed immense success during the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1940s and 1950s. It remained among the top ten most popular names for girls in the United States from the 1930s to the 1960s.
Barbara has been a name given to numerous notable individuals throughout history. One well-known Barbara is the American actress and singer Barbra Streisand, who has achieved great success in the entertainment industry, winning various awards and selling millions of albums worldwide. Another impactful Barbara is the former First Lady of the United States, Barbara Bush, who was the wife of President George H. W. Bush and the mother of President George W. Bush. She was admired for her advocacy for literacy and her dedication to public service.
The name Barbara, with its diverse origins and rich history, has left a lasting impact on the world and continues to be a popular choice for girls today.
Similar Latin Baby Names
Search Baby Names & Meanings
Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!
Celebrity Baby Names
Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.
Celebrity Baby NamesNaming Your Baby
Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.
Naming Your Baby
Unusual Baby Names
Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.
Unusual Baby NamesBiblical Baby Names
Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!
Biblical Baby NamesTypes of Baby Names
The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.
Types of Baby Names