Barbara (given name)

Barbara is a given name used in numerous languages. It is the feminine form of the Greek word barbaros (Greek: βάρβαρος) meaning "stranger" or "foreign".

Barbara

Usage of the name increased in part due to the popularity of the Christian Saint Barbara.
Pronunciation	/ˈbɑːrbərə/ BAR-bər-ə
Gender	feminine
Language(s)	Greek
Name day	December 4
Origin
Meaning	"strange or foreign"
Other names
See also	Barbra, Babs, Barbie, Barby, Barb, Barbro, Bärbel, Bobbie, Varvara

In Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox tradition, Saint Barbara (Greek: Ἁγία Βαρβάρα) was martyred by her father, who was then punished with death by lightning. As such, St. Barbara is a protectress against fire and lightning. Early Christians occasionally referred to themselves as "barbarians" in opposition to the pagan Romans and Greeks.[1]

Today, the name Barbara or its variants are well used for female babies born in Chile, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Russia.[2] It was among the most popular names for girls in English-speaking countries in the first half of the 20th century but has since decreased in usage in countries such as the United States.[3][4]

In Italy, Barbara was particularly popular during the 1970s: it was among the top 10 names given to girls born from 1969 to 1977, rising to 2nd place (behind Maria) in 1971.[5] In the same year it was the most common name for girls born in Rome and in Bologna.[6]