The girl's name Barbara \b(a)-rba-ra, bar-bara\ is pronounced BAR-bra. It is of Latin origin, and its meaning is "foreign woman". The adjective was originally applied to anyone who did not speak Greek; it has the same root as "barbarian". In Roman Catholic custom, Saint Barbara is invoked as a protector against fire and lightning; she is patron saint of architects, stonemasons, and fortifications. Barbra is a spelling variant made familiar by singer/actress/film director Barbra Streisand. Many people may associate the name with the popular doll Barbie, which with Babs, are informal pet forms. Barb is the short form. Actress Barbara Stanwyck; writer Barbara Tuchman; First Lady Barbara Bush.

ORIGIN
Greek

MEANING
Foreign

The feminine form of "Barbarus" meaning "foreign" referring to the chatter made by non-Greek speaking people. A common Christian name known for St. Barbara, considered one of the most popular saints, martyred by her father who was in turn killed by lightning during the third century. Irish writer George Bernard Shaw gave the name a literary distinction when he published the play, "Major Barbara" in 1907. It was clearly influenced by actress Barbara Stanwyck who started her career in films during the late 1920s and television in the 1960s. Singer, actress, and film director Barbra Steisand brought attention to a form of the name.

VARIATIONS
Barnabas Barnaby

ALTERNATIVES
Barbra

NICKNAMES
Babs Barb Barbie

FAMOUS Barbaras
Barbara Eden (actress) Barbara Bush (former first lady)

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