Barnabé

son of consolation
French origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#1645US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.2%Percentile
How to pronounce Barnabé
bar-na-be
/bar-na-be/ · · 2 syllables
son of consolation
French origin · Unisex name

What does Barnabé mean and where does it come from?

Barnabé is derived from the Aramaic name Bar-Nabba, meaning 'son of consolation' or 'son of the prophet.'

Cultural significance
The name is often associated with Saint Barnabas, an early Christian disciple and companion of Paul the Apostle.
Peak popularity
Reached #1645 in 2015 — currently #1645 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Barnabé?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Barnabé?

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

Barnabé Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Barnabé John
One syllable · timeless choice
Barnabé Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Barnabé Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Barnabé Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Barnabé Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Barnabé
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How popular is Barnabé right now?

Holding steady — currently #1645 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1645 · Top 1.2%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#164510stable
2022#164510stable
2021#164510stable
2020#164510stable
2019#164510
💎Barnabé is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Barnabé?

ENGLISH
Barney
HUNGARIAN
Barna

Famous people named Barnabé

BB
Barnabé Brisson
A French politician and member of the National Assembly in the 19th century.
Bd
Barnabé de la Salle
A French priest and founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.
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Common questions about the name Barnabé

What does the name Barnabé mean?
Barnabé means "son of consolation" — a name rooted in French 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 Barnabé?
Barnabé is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Barnabé?
Barnabé originates from French tradition. French names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Barnabé a common or rare name?
Barnabé is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Barnabé more of a girl or boy name?
Barnabé is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.