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    Barbara

    Also spelled: Barbra, Barbera, Varvara

    Pronunciation: BAR-bə-rə

    ♀ Female
    Ancient Greek

    Meaning

    Foreign woman, stranger

    Origin

    Greek

    About Barbara

    Barbara carries a stately elegance, a name that has gracefully traversed centuries from its ancient Greek roots meaning "foreign woman" or "stranger." Far from feeling alien, however, Barbara has become a beloved classic, especially resonant with parents who appreciate a name with a strong historical presence and a touch of old-world charm. It’s a choice that speaks to a preference for names that have stood the test of time, evoking images of resilience and grace. Unlike many enduring classics that have seen a recent resurgence, Barbara has a unique trajectory, making it a distinctive pick for those who want a name that feels both familiar and refreshingly uncommon for a new generation.

    Quick Facts

    - **Pronunciation:** BAR-bə-rə - **Common Nicknames:** Barbra, Barbera, Varvara - **Cultural Association:** Biblical / Christian

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Common
    Trend:Declining
    Peak decade:1940s
    Era:Medieval, Renaissance, Victorian, Early 1900s, Mid-century, Contemporary

    Popularity Trends

    Is Barbara Right for Your Baby?

    Barbara is a Classic, Strong, Elegant name for girls that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables3
    LengthLong
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Biblical / Christian

    Regions Where Barbara Is Used

    Greek
    Romance / Latin
    Slavic
    Anglo-Saxon / British

    Name Vibe

    Classic
    Strong
    Elegant

    Famous People Named Barbara

    • Barbara Bush (former First Lady of the United States)
    • Barbra Streisand (American singer and actress)
    • Barbara Walters (American broadcast journalist)
    • Barbara Stanwyck (American actress)
    • Barbara Windsor (English actress)

    Nicknames & Short Forms

    Babs
    Barbie
    • Babs
    • Barbie

    Barbara in different fonts

    BarbaraDancing Script
    BarbaraCaveat
    BarbaraSatisfy
    BarbaraPacifico
    BarbaraGreat Vibes

    Spelling Variants

    These names are alternative spellings or variants of Barbara:

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Barbara, you might also like names with these styles:

    Classic
    Traditional

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Barbara

    What is the origin of the name Barbara?

    Barbara originates from Ancient Greek, where it meant "foreign woman" or "stranger."

    Is Barbara a popular name today?

    While Barbara has a rich history, its popularity has been declining, making it a less common choice for newborns today.

    What does Barbara mean?

    Barbara means "Foreign woman, stranger". It is derived from Greek.

    What is the origin of Barbara?

    Barbara originates from Ancient Greek. Its cultural origin is Greek.

    Is Barbara a male or female name?

    Barbara is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Barbara?

    Barbara is pronounced "BAR-bə-rə".

    What language does Barbara come from?

    Barbara comes from Ancient Greek.

    Is Barbara a popular name?

    Barbara is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is declining.

    What are variants of Barbara?

    Variants of Barbara include Barbra, Barbera, Varvara.

    What are nicknames for Barbara?

    Common nicknames for Barbara include Babs, Barbie.

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