Girl Name · Greek Origin
Barbara
Last reviewed: June 2026
Barbara — a girl name from the Greek tradition — is a widely-loved, instantly-recognizable pick. Its meaning, "Foreign, strange", anchors the name in something deeper than sound alone. If Bartley is on your shortlist, Barbara belongs in the same conversation.
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Frequently asked about Barbara
What does the name Barbara mean?
Barbara means "Foreign, strange" and is of Greek origin.
What is the origin of Barbara?
Barbara originates in Greek naming tradition. Names of Greek origin often share recognizable sounds and cultural roots that shape how the name reads today.
How do you pronounce Barbara?
Barbara has 7 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable. Tap the pronunciation player on this page to hear it spoken aloud.
Is Barbara a boy's or girl's name?
Barbara is primarily used as a girl's name in US records, though usage can vary by region and era.
How popular is Barbara in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Barbara sits in the Top 100 tier — a widely-loved, instantly-recognizable pick.
What names are similar to Barbara?
Names that share Barbara's sound and style include Bartley, Barclay, Bartolo, Bernice, Barrett. Open the "Names like Barbara" rail on this page for the full list.