Last Name Barbara

The surname "Barbara" is of Italian, Portuguese, and Catalan origin. It is derived from the personal name Barbara, which comes from the Greek word "barbaros" meaning foreign or strange. The name was popularized as a Christian name in honor of St. Barbara, a Christian martyr of the 3rd century. The surname "Barbara" likely originated as a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally used to identify the descendants of someone named Barbara.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Barbara

The meaning and origin of the last name Barbara

The surname Barbara is derived from the feminine given name Barbara, which has both Greek and Latin origins. The name Barbara means "foreign" or "strange" in Greek, and it is believed to have originated from the Greek word "barbaros," which referred to people whose language was incomprehensible to the Greeks. In the Latin context, the name was associated with the word "barbarus," meaning "barbarian" or someone who was not a Roman citizen. The name Barbara became more widely used as a result of early Christian saint veneration. The popularity of the name grew throughout Europe in various forms and spellings. Over time, it became a surname and is now found across different countries. Those who bear the surname Barbara today may have ancestral ties to individuals who were given the name Barbara as a given name in the past.

Geographical distribution of the last name Barbara

The surname Barbara is of Italian origin, with the majority of individuals bearing this last name residing in Italy. Specifically, the regions of Sicily and Sardinia have the highest concentration of individuals with the last name Barbara. The name can also be found in other European countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, and Germany, albeit in smaller numbers. Additionally, the surname Barbara has spread to other regions of the world through migration, with some individuals bearing this last name found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South America. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Barbara is primarily centered in Italy and other European countries with smaller pockets of individuals scattered across the globe as a result of historical migrations and globalization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Barbara

The last name Barbara, though not commonly found, may have several variations and spellings. Some possible variations of the last name Barbara include Barberra, Barbra, Barbrai, Barbary, and Barbery. These variations could have originated from different regions or migrations over the years, leading to slight changes in spelling and pronunciation. Additionally, the last name Barbara may have different spellings based on cultural or language differences. For instance, in Italian culture, the last name could be spelled as Barbera or Barbéra. In some cases, individuals with the last name Barbara may have chosen to alter the spelling themselves to differentiate from others or to reflect a personal preference. With such variations and spellings, the last name Barbara may offer a glimpse into diverse family histories and ancestral lineages.

Famous people with the last name Barbara

There are no well-known individuals with the last name Barbara. It is important to note that "Barbara" is traditionally a first name and not commonly used as a surname. However, if we consider variations or derivatives of the name, there are a few notable people. For instance, Barbra Streisand is a legendary American singer, actress, and filmmaker, best known for her iconic voice and successful career spanning multiple decades. Ed Barbour Jr, also known as Peter North, is a renowned Canadian-American adult film actor. While she shares the same first name as the surname in question, Barbara Walters is a highly respected American journalist, author, and television personality, famous for her interviews with numerous world leaders and celebrities. Though these individuals do not bear the exact last name of Barbara, they are figures recognized worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Barbara

The last name Barbara is of English origin and is derived from the medieval feminine given name Barbara. The name Barbara is of Greek origin, meaning "foreign woman" or "strange woman." It first became popular in Europe due to the cult of Saint Barbara, who was a Christian martyr in the 3rd century. The surname Barbara is believed to have first appeared in England in the 12th century, and there are records of individuals with this last name living in various regions of the country. Over time, the name Barbara spread to other English-speaking countries as well. Today, individuals with the last name Barbara can be found all over the world, with variations in spelling and pronunciation depending on the region. Genealogical research on the last name Barbara may reveal a diverse and rich family history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Barbara"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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