The name Barbara has been around for centuries and has a rich history. It is a feminine name of Greek origin, meaning “foreign woman” or “stranger.” The name was popularized in the early Christian era, as Saint Barbara was a well-known martyr who was said to have been struck by lightning after being imprisoned by her father.
Barbara has been a popular name throughout history, with many notable figures bearing the name. In recent years, the name has declined in popularity, but it remains a classic and timeless choice for parents looking for a strong and meaningful name for their daughter. Whether you are considering naming your child Barbara or simply curious about the name’s history and meaning, this article will provide you with all the information you need to know.
Origins of the Name Barbara
Ancient Roots
The name Barbara has ancient roots and is derived from the Greek word “barbaros” which means foreign or strange. According to legend, Saint Barbara was a young woman who was killed by her father Dioscorus, who was then killed by a bolt of lightning. She is the patron saint of architects, geologists, stonemasons, and artillerymen.
Geographical Spread
The name Barbara has been used in various cultures and countries throughout history. It was popular in medieval Britain after the 3rd century martyrdom of Saint Barbara. In the United States, the name was most popular in the 1930s and 1940s.
Here are some interesting geographical facts about the name Barbara:
- In France, the name is pronounced “Barb-a-rah” and is the 19th most popular name for girls.
- In Italy, the name is pronounced “Bar-bar-ah” and is the 34th most popular name for girls.
- In Germany, the name is pronounced “Bar-ba-ra” and is the 41st most popular name for girls.
Overall, the name Barbara has a rich history and has been used in various cultures and countries throughout time.
Meaning of the Name Barbara
Barbara is a girl’s name of Latin origin, which means “foreign woman.” It is derived from the Greek word “barbaros,” which means “stranger” or “foreign.” According to legend, Saint Barbara was a young woman who was killed by her father Dioscorus, who was then killed by a bolt of lightning.
Literal Interpretation
The name Barbara has a literal interpretation of “foreign woman.” It is a name that is commonly used in Western cultures and has been popular for many years. It is a classic name that has stood the test of time and is still used today.
Symbolic Meaning
In addition to its literal interpretation, the name Barbara also has a symbolic meaning. It is associated with strength, protection, and courage. Saint Barbara is a protectress against fire and lightning, which makes her a popular saint in many cultures.
The name Barbara is also associated with the arts and creativity. It is a name that is often given to artists, musicians, and writers. It is a name that is associated with beauty and grace, and it is a name that has been used in many works of literature and art.
Overall, the name Barbara has a rich history and a deep meaning. It is a name that is associated with strength, protection, and creativity, and it is a name that has stood the test of time.
Popularity of the Name Barbara
Historical Popularity
Barbara has been a popular name for centuries. According to the Social Security Administration, it was one of the top 10 most popular names for girls in the United States from the 1930s to the 1960s. In fact, it was the second most popular name for girls in the 1930s and 1940s.
The name Barbara has its roots in Greek and means “foreigner” or “stranger.” It was first used in English-speaking countries in the 19th century and quickly gained popularity.
Present Day Popularity
While Barbara was once a very popular name, it has become less common in recent years. In 2021, it ranked 911th in popularity in the United States, according to Nameberry. However, it is still a well-known and recognizable name.
Barbara remains a popular name in some countries, such as Hungary and Poland. It is also used in other countries, such as Chile, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Russia, and Slovakia.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Barbara has declined in recent years, it remains a classic and timeless name that has been used for centuries.
| Year | Rank in US |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 911 |
| 2020 | 853 |
| 2019 | 803 |
| 2018 | 767 |
| 2017 | 742 |
Data from the Social Security Administration
Famous People Named Barbara
Barbara is a popular name that has been given to many notable individuals throughout history. Here are just a few examples of famous people named Barbara:
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Barbara Walters: An American broadcast journalist, Walters was the first female co-anchor of a network evening news program. She has also hosted several popular TV shows, including The View and 20/20.
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Barbara Bush: The wife of former US President George H. W. Bush, Barbara Bush was known for her advocacy for literacy and education. She was also a mother to six children, including former President George W. Bush.
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Barbara Streisand: An American singer, actress, and filmmaker, Streisand is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, ten Grammy Awards, and five Emmy Awards.
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Barbara Eden: An American actress, Eden is best known for her role as the title character in the TV series I Dream of Jeannie. She has also appeared in several films and other TV shows throughout her career.
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Barbara Palvin: A Hungarian model and actress, Palvin has worked with numerous high-profile brands and designers. She has also appeared in several films, including the 2019 movie, Charlie’s Angels.
These are just a few examples of famous people named Barbara. The name has been given to many other notable individuals throughout history, including musicians, artists, writers, and more.
Variations of the Name Barbara
The name Barbara has been around for centuries and has been adopted by various cultures around the world. As a result, the name has taken on many different variations and forms, each with its own unique meaning and history.
Here are some of the most common variations of the name Barbara:
- Bàrbara (Catalan): This variation of the name is commonly used in the Catalan language and is pronounced as “bah-BAH-rah”.
- Bárbara (Galician, Portuguese, Spanish): This variation is used in Galician, Portuguese, and Spanish and is pronounced as “BAHR-bah-rah”.
- Barbara (Croatian, English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Slovene): This is the most common form of the name and is used in many different languages. It is pronounced as “BAR-buh-rah” in English, “bar-BAH-rah” in Italian, and “BAHR-bah-rah” in German.
- Barbare (Georgian): This variation of the name is used in Georgian and is pronounced as “bar-BAH-reh”.
- Bärbel (German): This diminutive form of the name is commonly used in Germany and is pronounced as “BEHR-bel”.
- Barbera (Italian, old Florentine variant): This variation of the name is an old Florentine variant and is pronounced as “bar-BEH-rah”.
- Barbie (English): This cute and playful variation of the name is commonly used as a nickname and is pronounced as “BAR-bee”.
- Barbo (Norwegian): This variation of the name is used in Norway and is pronounced as “BAHR-boh”.
- Barbora (Czech, Lithuanian, Slovak): This variation of the name is used in Czech, Lithuanian, and Slovak and is pronounced as “BAR-boh-rah”.
- Barborka (Slovak), (Czech): This diminutive form of the name is commonly used in Slovakia and the Czech Republic and is pronounced as “bar-BOR-kah”.
Overall, the name Barbara has many different variations and forms, each with its own unique meaning and history. Whether you prefer the classic Barbara or one of its many variations, the name is sure to bring a sense of strength and grace to anyone who bears it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name Barbara has a fascinating history and meaning. It is derived from the Greek word “barbaros,” which means “foreign” or “stranger.” The name has been popular for centuries and is used in numerous languages.
Barbara is undoubtedly among the most classic girl names starting with B. It has a rhythmic sound and interesting history. The name has been used by many famous people, including Barbara Bush, Barbara Walters, and Barbara Streisand.
The spiritual meaning behind the name Barbara is also intriguing. It can mean “strange, foreign, barbarian, beard, foreign woman, or woman.” Dreams about the name Barbara can have many different meanings.
Overall, the name Barbara is a timeless classic with a rich history and meaning. It is a great choice for parents looking for a name that is both traditional and unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the name Barbara Ann?
Barbara Ann is a combination of two names, Barbara and Ann. Barbara means “foreign” or “strange” and Ann means “grace” or “favor”. Therefore, Barbara Ann means “foreign grace” or “strange favor”.
What is the personality of the name Barbara?
People named Barbara are often independent, confident, and ambitious. They are also known for their strong will and determination. They have a natural ability to lead and inspire others.
What are some variations of the name Barbara?
Variations of the name Barbara include Barbra, Barbe, Babs, and Barbie. In some countries, the name is spelled differently, such as Bara in Czech or Varvara in Russian.
Is Barbara a good name?
Barbara is a classic name that has been popular for many years. It has a strong, timeless quality that makes it a good choice for parents looking for a traditional name. It is also a name that is easy to pronounce and spell.
What does Barbara mean in Hebrew?
In Hebrew, Barbara means “foreign” or “stranger”. It is derived from the Greek word barbaros, which has the same meaning.
What is a nickname for Barbara?
Some common nicknames for Barbara include Barb, Barbie, and Babs. Other less common nicknames include Basia, Babette, and Bara.