What does Barbara mean and where does it come from?
The name Barbara is of Greek origin and translates to 'foreign woman'. It was popularized by Saint Barbara, a legendary Christian martyr in the 3rd century. The name has been widely used across various cultures and languages, maintaining its presence throughout the centuries. It has also been a comm
Cultural significance
Barbara has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of foreign; strange.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1937 — currently #968 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Barbara?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Barbara?
Barbara works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Barbara Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Barbara Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Barbara Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Barbara Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Barbara Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
Barbara Dream
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Barbara right now?
Falling — down 115 spots — currently #968 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #968 | 264 | ▼ down 115 · -17% births |
| 2024 | #853 | 317 | ▲ up 23 · +3% births |
| 2023 | #876 | 307 | ▲ up 90 · +11% births |
| 2022 | #966 | 276 | ▼ down 62 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #904 | 299 | ▼ down 5 · +3% births |
| 2020 | #899 | 289 | ▼ down 39 · -11% births |
| 2015 | #860 | 324 | ▼ down 159 · -20% births |
| 2010 | #701 | 406 | ▼ down 10 · +2% births |
| 2005 | #691 | 400 | ▼ down 184 · -24% births |
| 2000 | #507 | 526 | ▼ down 159 · -30% births |
| 1995 | #348 | 753 | ▼ down 141 · -46% births |
| 1990 | #207 | 1,388 | ▼ down 38 · -17% births |
| 1985 | #169 | 1,675 | ▼ down 49 · -35% births |
| 1980 | #120 | 2,577 | ▼ down 37 · -25% births |
| 1975 | #83 | 3,453 | — |
The story of Barbara
Barbara has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1937, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 1439K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #128 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #876 in 2023. Barbara is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Barbara in 1937:
Barbara by decade
Barbara peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,820 | |
| 1890s | 2,783 | |
| 1900s | 4,001 | |
| 1910s | 23,736 | |
| 1920s | 97,474 | |
| 1930s | 297,592 | |
| 1940s ★ | 426,407 | |
| 1950s | 346,393 | |
| 1960s | 160,256 | |
| 1970s | 42,402 | |
| 1980s | 19,240 | |
| 1990s | 8,853 | |
| 2000s | 4,641 | |
| 2010s | 3,216 | |
| 2020s | 870 | |
What are good nicknames for Barbara?
ENGLISH
BabsBarbBarbieBobbiBobbie
What names sound and feel like Barbara?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Barbara also consider these
How is Barbara written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Barbara
What does the name Barbara mean?
Barbara means "Foreign; strange" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Barbara?
Barbara is currently ranked #876 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Barbara have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Barbara?
Barbara originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Barbara?
Barbara is a two-syllable name pronounced BAH-rber-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Barbara trending right now?
Barbara is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.