Barbara
Barbara (name) means a female given name, originally from the Latin word barbarus ("foreign"). Example: “Barbara has been a popular name in English-speaking countries for generations.”
How to use Barbara
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA common English female first name, ultimately from the same Greek root as "barbarian."
Word forms
Barbaras plural
Fill the gap
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_____ has been a popular name in English-speaking countries for generations.
Etymology
From Latin Barbara, feminine of barbarus, from Greek barbaros ("foreign, strange") — the same root behind the modern word "barbarian."
Related words
Rhymes for Barbara
See all rhymes for Barbara →Frequently asked questions
What does “Barbara” mean?
The word “Barbara” means a female given name, originally from the Latin word barbarus ("foreign"). In plain terms, a common English female first name, ultimately from the same Greek root as "barbarian.".
How do you pronounce “Barbara”?
“Barbara” is pronounced BAHB-ruh (/ˈbɑɹb(ə)ɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Barbara” in a sentence?
Here is “Barbara” used in a sentence: “Barbara has been a popular name in English-speaking countries for generations.”
What part of speech is “Barbara”?
“Barbara” is a name.
Where does the word “Barbara” come from?
The word “Barbara” comes from Latin. From Latin Barbara, feminine of barbarus, from Greek barbaros ("foreign, strange") — the same root behind the modern word "barbarian.".
Is “Barbara” a common word?
“Barbara” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the origin of the name Barbara?
Barbara is a female given name that comes from the Latin word barbarus, meaning "foreign." The Latin root originally referred to people regarded as foreigners or outsiders.
Is Barbara a first name or a surname?
Barbara is used as a female given name, that is, a first name rather than a family name. It is a standalone name in English and other European languages.
How is the name Barbara used in writing?
As a proper noun, Barbara is always capitalised whenever it refers to a person. It does not normally take an article, so you write "Barbara arrived" rather than "a Barbara arrived" in ordinary use.
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