Barbie

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Barbie

Gender Girl
Origin American
Letters 6
Syllables 1
Pronunciation BAHR-bee

Barbie, which has 6 letters and 1 syllable, is a female name of American origin.

Meaning of Barbie

From the name barbara

The name Barbie is a diminutive of the name Barbara, which is derived from the Greek word "barbaros," meaning "foreign" or "strange."

Save
Rate:
Be the first to rate!
Meaning From the name barbara
Origin American
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #945 in 1968 Declining Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era 60s name

Background & History of The Name Barbie

Barbie is a well-known and iconic name in the world of dolls. Created by businesswoman Ruth Handler in 1959, Barbie was inspired by Handler's observation of her daughter's fascination with paper dolls that allowed her to dress them up and project different personalities onto them. Using her innovative thinking, Handler designed Barbie with a three-dimensional form, setting her apart from the traditional flat paper dolls of the time. The name Barbie was derived from Handler's daughter, whose name was Barbara. The doll was an instant success, quickly becoming a beloved and cherished toy for girls around the world.

Barbie's popularity grew rapidly due to her fashionable appearance and the wide selection of outfits and accessories available for her. Through her various careers and diverse range of clothing, Barbie provided girls with endless imaginative play opportunities, encouraging them to dream big and explore their potential. Over the years, Barbie has evolved to reflect changes in society, constantly adapting to remain relevant and inclusive. With her diverse range of skin tones, body shapes, hairstyles, and professions, Barbie aims to promote inclusivity and inspire girls to believe in themselves.

Barbie has become a cultural icon, symbolizing beauty, fashion, and femininity. She has not only dominated the toy market but has also had a significant impact on popular culture. Barbie has been the subject of numerous movies, television shows, and books, further cementing her status as a household name. Additionally, Barbie has been an influential marketing tool, collaborating with various brands to create limited-edition dolls and products, attracting collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Despite facing criticism over the years for promoting unrealistic body standards, Barbie remains an iconic figure who has empowered and entertained generations of girls.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Barbie over the years.

Check Initials

See what initials Barbie would create with your last name.

Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Barbie.

Save This Name

Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.

Create Free Account

Partner Matching

Rate names with your partner and find the ones you both love.

Learn More

Sibling Matcher

Find names that pair well with your existing children's names.

Find Sibling Names