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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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Barbra Rose
Floral · soft ending
Barbra Mae
Sweet · timeless
Barbra Claire
French influence · crisp
Barbra Jane
Literary · strong
Barbra Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Barbra right now?
Holding steady — currently #1327 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Barbra by decade
| 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?
ENGLISH
BabsBarbBarbieBobbiBobbie
Famous people named Barbra
B(
Barbra (historical community leader)
Barbra led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
B(
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
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Barbra?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Barbra also consider these
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.