Barbara

Girl's name

Barbara is of Greek origin, derived from the word "barbaros" meaning "foreign" or "strange."

Meaning Foreigner
Origin Greek
U.S. births in 2023 313
Peak year 1947

Appears In These Collections

Popularity Over Time

Births per year in the United States

Source: Social Security Administration

Notable Namesakes

  • Barbara Walters - Television journalist and host.
  • Barbara Bush - Former First Lady of the United States.
  • Barbara Stanwyck - Actress known for classic Hollywood films.
  • Barbara Eden - Actress, best known for "I Dream of Jeannie."
  • Barbara Corcoran - Real estate mogul and "Shark Tank" investor.
  • Barbara McClintock - Nobel Prize-winning geneticist.
  • Barbara Jordan - Politician and civil rights leader.
  • Barbara Hershey - Actress with a long career in film.
  • Barbara Palvin - Hungarian model and Victoria's Secret Angel.
  • Barbara Mikulski - Longest-serving female senator in U.S. history.

Sisters for Barbara

Girl names closely related to Barbara

Brothers for Barbara

Boy names closely related to Barbara

Name Variants

Names with similar meaning to Barbara

Keep your name list moving

Save favorites, compare similar names, and keep exploring beyond Barbara in the Baby Name Genius app.