Origin and Meaning of Barbara
Meaning & Origin
Foreigner, strange, or foreign woman
Origin: Greek - Derived from the Greek word 'barbaros', which originally denoted someone who spoke a foreign language or was considered uncivilized.
Interesting Facts
- Barbara is a name that has been widely used in Christian contexts, often associated with Saint Barbara, a martyr who is venerated in both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches.
- The name has variations in multiple languages, including Bárbara (Spanish), Barbe (French), and Barbara (Italian).
- Notable bearers of the name include Barbara Streisand, an iconic American singer, actress, and filmmaker, and Barbara Walters, a pioneering television broadcaster.
- Barbara was particularly popular in the United States during the mid-20th century, reaching its peak popularity in the 1930s and 1940s.
- Related names and variations include Barb, Babs, and Bobbie, which are often used as affectionate or informal forms.