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Girl
Barbara
Foreign, stranger
Origin
Greek
Used in
itendees
Origin and meaning of Barbara
Barbara comes from the Greek bárbaros, 'foreign,' the word Greeks used for those who spoke an unintelligible tongue. It owes its popularity to Saint Barbara, a much-venerated martyr and patron of miners and gunners. Common in Italy, the English-speaking world, Germany, Poland and Spain, it is a classic name with a symmetrical, rhythmic sound. A huge favourite in the twentieth century, it keeps a solid, timeless charm, with pet forms like Barbie and Basia.
Variants around the world
How Barbara sounds in other languages.
BarboraVarvaraBasia
Famous people
- Santa Barbara— saint
- Barbara McClintock— scientist
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Barbara mean?
The name Barbara means Foreign, stranger.
What is the origin of the name Barbara?
Origin of Barbara: Greek.
What are the international variants of the name Barbara?
International variants of Barbara: Barbora, Varvara, and Basia.