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.