What does Barabara mean and where does it come from?
The name Barabara has roots in Swahili, where it is associated with the meaning of 'foreigner' or 'stranger.' It is commonly used in East African countries and has also made its way into American culture, where it may be seen as a unique or culturally inspired name. Variations of this name can be fo
Cultural significance
Barabara has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Swahili-speaking regions-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a foreign woman; stranger.
Peak popularity
Reached #2827 in 1949 — currently #1534 in the US.
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Related Reading
Swahili-speaking regions-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Barabara?
Barabara works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Barabara Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Barabara Rose
Floral · soft ending
Barabara Mae
Sweet · timeless
Barabara Claire
French influence · crisp
Barabara Jane
Literary · strong
Barabara Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Barabara right now?
Holding steady — currently #1534 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1534 | 666 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1539 | 646 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1544 | 616 | ▲ up 3086 · +6744% births |
| 1965 | #4630 | 9 | ▼ down 812 · -25% births |
| 1960 | #3818 | 12 | ▲ up 1732 · +100% births |
| 1955 | #5550 | 6 | ▼ down 1945 · -40% births |
| 1950 | #3605 | 10 | — |
The story of Barabara
Barabara entered American naming records in 1934 and has been in use for over 90 years. With 181 total births recorded, Barabara remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3605 in 1950 to #1534 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Barabara in 1949:
Barabara by decade
Barabara peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 12 | |
| 1940s | 50 | |
| 1950s | 43 | |
| 1960s ★ | 71 | |
| 1970s | 5 | |
💎Barabara has only 181 total recorded births since 1934 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Barabara?
What names sound and feel like Barabara?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Barabara also consider these
Common questions about the name Barabara
What does the name Barabara mean?
Barabara means "a foreign woman; stranger" — a name rooted in Swahili-speaking regions tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Barabara?
Barabara is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Barabara?
Barabara originates from Swahili-speaking regions tradition. Swahili-speaking regions names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Barabara?
Barabara is a four-syllable name pronounced B AA1 R AH0 B AA1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Barabara?
Barabara pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Swahili-speaking regions heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.