barbara

Barbara is a feminine given name with multiple cultural origins. It is commonly traced to the Greek word barbaros, meaning “foreigner” or “strange,” a derivation that historically associated the name with non-Greek peoples. The name was popularized in Christian Europe by Saint Barbara, a 3rd-century martyr whose veneration spread during the Middle Ages. As a result, Barbara became a widespread name in Western Europe and was adopted into many languages with local forms.

Across languages, Barbara has remained a common choice, often appearing in varying spellings and with several diminutives. Variants include Bárbara (Spanish/Portuguese), Barbora (Czech/Slovak), and Barbra (a less common English form). Nicknames such as Barb and Barbie are frequently used in English-speaking contexts. The name’s popularity has ebbed and flowed over the centuries but it remains in use in many regions today.

Notable people named Barbara include Barbara Walters, an American journalist and television personality; Barbara Hershey, an American actress; Barbara Stanwyck, an American actress; Barbara Eden, an American actress; and Barbara Boxer, an American politician. In fiction, Barbara Gordon is a DC Comics character who becomes Batgirl. The name also appears in popular culture through figures such as Barbie, whose full fictional name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. References to Saint Barbara and the name’s history contribute to its enduring presence in naming traditions.