Barbra

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Barbra

Gender Girl
Origin Latin
Letters 6
Syllables 2
Pronunciation bahr-bruh

Barbra, which has 6 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of Latin origin.

Meaning of Barbra

Stranger

Barbra is a feminine form of the Hebrew name "Baruch" which means "blessed." It is also associated with the Latin word "barba" which means "beard."

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(3.2/5 from 22 votes)
Meaning Stranger
Origin Latin
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #836 in 1971 Declining Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era 60s name

Background & History of The Name Barbra

Barbra is a feminine given name that originated in the English language. It is believed to be a variation of the name Barbara, which traces its roots back to ancient Greece. The name Barbara initially gained popularity due to the veneration of Saint Barbara, who was an early Christian martyr. In the Middle Ages, the name became common in England and other European countries. The variant spelling Barbra emerged in the late 19th century and has since been used as a distinct form of the name.

The name Barbra has multiple meanings attributed to it. One interpretation suggests that it derives from the Greek word "barbaros," which means "foreign" or "strange." This might be due to the early association of the name with Saint Barbara, who was venerated in many different countries. Another possible meaning of the name is "barbarian," which was an old term used to describe people who did not speak Greek. However, these interpretations are speculative, and the exact origin of the name remains ambiguous.

Throughout history, the name Barbra has been associated with various famous individuals who have contributed to different fields. One notable bearer of the name was the American singer and actress Barbra Streisand, who achieved great success in the entertainment industry. Her talent and distinctive voice earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy, Emmy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. Streisand's fame helped popularize the name Barbra in the 20th century and increased its visibility around the world.

In conclusion, the name Barbra is a variant of the name Barbara with a rich history and diverse meanings. It has been embraced by notable figures throughout time and continues to be used by parents today. Whether inspired by the association with Saint Barbara, the allure of uniqueness, or admiration for famous individuals like Barbra Streisand, the name Barbra holds its own significance among the many names found across cultures.

Popularity Over Time

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

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