Barbra

“foreign woman, stranger” — Associated with strength and resilience

Hebrew origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1327US 2023

873Births / yr

→Stable

7.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 188200.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Barbra

bahr-brə

/bahr-brə/ · · 2 syllables

“foreign woman, stranger”

Associated with strength and resilience · Hebrew origin

What does Barbra mean and where does it come from?

Barbra is a variant of Barbara, with notable popularity in the United States primarily due to the famous singer Barbra Streisand. The name has Greek origins, derived from 'barbaros', meaning foreign. In Hebrew (ברברה), it is often associated with strength and resilience. The name has been used since

Cultural significance

Barbra has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of foreign woman, stranger.

Peak popularity

Reached #511 in 1966 — currently #1327 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Barbra?

Barbra works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Barbra Grace

How popular is Barbra right now?

Holding steady — currently #1327 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1900–2023#1327 · Top 0.98%

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1327	873	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1332	853	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1337	823	▲ up 15680 · +16360% births
2010	#17017	5	▼ down 8464 · -55% births
2000	#8553	11	▼ down 4875 · -62% births
1995	#3678	29	▼ down 309 · -9% births
1990	#3369	32	▼ down 614 · -6% births
1985	#2755	34	▼ down 1334 · -60% births
1980	#1421	86	▼ down 198 · -9% births
1975	#1223	94	▼ down 484 · -53% births
1970	#739	200	▼ down 100 · -15% births
1965	#639	235	▲ up 252 · +70% births
1960	#891	138	▼ down 153 · -16% births
1955	#738	165	▼ down 159 · -21% births
1950	#579	209	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Barbra

Best Year1950Rank #579

Peak Count873

Average Rank#2496

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202323 years

The story of Barbra

Barbra has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. With 7,757 total births recorded, Barbra remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1975 in 1900 to #1327 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Barbra in 1966:

Lisa Kimberly Mary Michelle Karen

Barbra by decade

Barbra peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1890s	5
1900s	5
1910s	111
1920s	311
1930s	720
1940s	1,142
1950s	1,666
1960s ★	1,889
1970s	1,116
1980s	514
1990s	186
2000s	72
2010s	15

💎With 7,757 total births, Barbra is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Barbra?

CROATIAN

BaraBarica

CZECH

Bára

ENGLISH

BabsBarbBarbieBobbiBobbie

GERMAN

Bärbel

Famous people named Barbra

Barbra (historical community leader)

Barbra led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

Barbra (historical figure)

Barbra bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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Celebrity Names

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What names sound and feel like Barbra?

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

Barabra

English · Hebrew

Barra

Arabic · A Arabic name

Barbla

Arabic · A Arabic name

Arbra

American · Possibly a variation

Sabra

Hebrew · Hebrew

Kambra

American · American English

How is Barbra written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Barbra

What does the name Barbra mean?

Barbra means "foreign woman, stranger" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Barbra?

Barbra 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 Barbra?

Barbra originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Barbra a common or rare name?

Barbra is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Barbra a classic or a modern name?

Barbra has Hebrew roots that go back thousands of years, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.