Popularity
38
/100
At a glance
Barbara is a girl name with Greek, Latin roots, most associated with the idea of foreign, strange, stranger.
Meaning
Foreign, strange, stranger
Origin
Greek, Latin
Gender
Girl / Female
Pronunciation
BAR-bruh
Name story
What Barbara communicates
Barbara is a girl name of Greek, Latin origin meaning "Foreign, strange, stranger". That gives it a clear, rooted emotional tone that is easy to connect with and quick to remember.
It is pronounced BAR-bruh and sits at a popularity score of 38/100 in our index, which suggests how widely it is chosen today. Names in this range tend to appeal to parents who want something recognizable yet still distinctive.
If Barbara feels close but not quite right, the related names and theme links below lead to options that share its Greek, Latin heritage or its core idea of "Foreign, strange, stranger". Comparing a few side by side is the easiest way to settle on the name that fits your family best.
Famous People Named Barbara
- BBarbara Streisand
- BBarbara Walters
Names with Similar Meanings
Names that share similar themes and meanings with Barbara
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Barbara mean?
The name Barbara means "Foreign, strange, stranger". It is a name of Greek, Latin origin that has been carried across many cultures and generations. The meaning reflects qualities valued in Greek, Latin naming tradition, which is part of why parents who want a name with a clear, positive sense often choose Barbara.
What is the origin of the name Barbara?
Barbara originates from Greek, Latin. Names of Greek, Latin origin tend to carry deep historical and cultural significance, shaped by language, religion, and tradition over centuries. Barbara fits that pattern: its roots give it the meaning "Foreign, strange, stranger" and connect it to a long lineage of related names that share the same heritage.
Is Barbara a popular name?
Barbara appears on baby-name popularity charts across many English-speaking countries. Its usage has shifted across generations, rising and falling with cultural moments, famous bearers, and naming trends. You can see where Barbara sits relative to other names on its popularity score above, and compare it with similar names in the same style.
What names are similar to Barbara?
Names similar to Barbara include those with shared origins, related meanings, or a similar sound and rhythm. The related names and similar-meaning sections above list strong alternatives, so if you love Barbara but want options, you can explore names that carry the same Greek, Latin heritage or the same idea of "Foreign, strange, stranger".
How do you pronounce Barbara?
Barbara is pronounced "BAR-bruh". Pronunciation can vary slightly by region and language, but this guide reflects the most common way the name Barbara is said.
Is Barbara a boy or a girl name?
Barbara is most commonly used as a girl name. Like many names it can cross gender lines depending on culture, era, and family preference, but its Greek, Latin roots and traditional usage are reflected on this page. If you want a clearly gender-neutral option, browse our unisex names for alternatives.
What does the name Barbara symbolize?
The name Barbara symbolizes "Foreign, strange, stranger". That theme gives Barbara a distinct emotional tone that many parents connect with, and it links the name to a wider family of names built on the same idea. Exploring names that share the meaning "Foreign, strange, stranger" is a good way to find alternatives with a similar feeling.
Is Barbara a good baby name?
Barbara is a meaningful choice: it carries the meaning "Foreign, strange, stranger", has clear Greek, Latin heritage, and a recognizable pronunciation. Whether it is the right baby name depends on your taste, family traditions, and how it pairs with your surname.