Declining since 1985, #968 for girls today.
Popularity of Barbara since 1880
Babies named Barbara per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1947, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Barbara's real moment was 1938.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,820 |
| 1890s | 2,783 |
| 1900s | 3,999 |
| 1910s | 23,704 |
| 1920s | 97,210 |
| 1930s | 296,420 |
| 1940s | 425,271 |
| 1950s | 345,722 |
| 1960s | 159,773 |
| 1970s | 42,237 |
| 1980s | 19,139 |
| 1990s | 8,859 |
| 2000s | 4,730 |
| 2010s | 3,263 |
| 2020s | 1,765 |
Meaning & origin
Barbara is a classic name with deep historical roots and a gentle vintage charm. According to the most recent data, it ranked 968th in the United States in 2025, with roughly 1 in every 6,088 baby girls being given the name. This marks a notable decline from its peak in 1938, when it was one of the most popular names for girls. The name experienced a steady fall in usage since 1985, reflecting broader trends away from mid-century favorites. Despite its reduced presence, Barbara retains a certain nostalgic appeal, especially in states like Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Iowa, where it has historically been more prevalent. Its long history and saintly associations give it a dignified, timeless quality, even as its numbers have waned.
Barbara originates from the Greek word 'barbaros', meaning 'foreign' or 'strange', which was used by ancient Greeks to describe non-Greek speakers. The name was adopted into Latin as 'Barbara' and gained widespread popularity in the Christian world due to the veneration of Saint Barbara, an early Christian martyr believed to have lived in the 3rd century. It was introduced to England by the Normans and became common in the medieval period, later experiencing a significant revival in the 20th century.
Where Barbara is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Barbara” around the world
Where Barbara lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Barb, Barbie, Babs, Bobby
Sibling names for Barbara
Names that share Barbara's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Judith, Marilyn, Patricia, Nancy, Carol, Debra, Joann, Joanne, Sandra, Sheryl, Carolann, Carole, Patti, Suzan, Bettyann, Carolee, Cathey, Cheryle, Debrah, Marijo, Marylynn, Susann, Donnalee, Johnita, Kathren, Maryjean, Patrecia, Sharman, Barbar, Carollee, Cheril, Georgeann, Janifer, Kathye, Marikay, Rozalia, Barbarajean, Barbera, Cythnia, Deborahann, Dorothyann, Dorri, Janeann, Jillann, Karenann, Suzzane
Brothers: Robert, Richard, William, James, David, Don, Rick, Steve, Steven, Krzysztof, Jerzy, Mitcheal, Jefferie
Names like Barbara
Names whose popularity has moved with Barbara's over the last 50 years.
