Barabara

“a foreign woman; stranger” — Associated with the meaning of 'foreigner' or 'stranger

Swahili-speaking regions origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1534US 2023

666Births / yr

→Stable

181All-time births

📅 Since 193400

How to pronounce Barabara

BAH·rub·AH·ruh

/ˈbɑ.rəb.ˈɑ.rə/ · stress on BAH · 4 syllables

“a foreign woman; stranger”

Associated with the meaning of 'foreigner' or 'stranger · Swahili-speaking regions origin

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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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

How popular is Barabara right now?

Holding steady — currently #1534 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1950–2023#1534 · Top 1.1%

1950

1955

1960

1965

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Barabara

Best Year2023Rank #1534

Peak Count666

Average Rank#3174

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1950 - 20237 years

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:

Linda Mary Patricia Barbara Susan

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?

Common

BarBarieBaryAra

What names sound and feel like Barabara?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Barabara also consider these

Barbara

Greece · Foreign; strange

Barabra

English · Hebrew

Bardara

Balkan countries · To be brave

Babara

English · Foreign woman; stranger

Latamara

American · From the land

Danayara

Spanish · Spanish

Jahanara

India · آسمان کی روشنی

Labarbara

American · a variant of

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.