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Barbara First Name Meaning

Barbara is a widely used female name of Greek origin, meaning "stranger" or "foreign." It is the feminine form of the Greek word "barbaros." The name holds significance in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, as Saint Barbara, who was martyred for her Christian beliefs, is considered a protectress against fire and lightning. The name has historical ties to early Christians who referred to themselves as "barbarians" in opposition to pagan cultures. Barbara and its variants are commonly given to baby girls in various countries, and it was especially popular in Italy during the 1970s. In recent years, the name has experienced increased interest, possibly influenced by the release of the film Barbie. Additionally, the name is associated with notable fictional characters, including Batgirl in DC Comics and the famous Mattel doll, Barbie.

Sources: Wikipedia, available at https://www.wikipedia.org | BabyNames.com, available at https://www.babynames.com

How popular Barbara first name? (2000 - Now)

Historical popularity of Barbara first name (1880 - Now)

Sources: Social Security Administration, available at https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/



Famous people with Barbara first name

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Barbara Stanwyck

Barbara Stanwyck

Barbara Stanwyck, born Ruby Catherine Stevens on July 16, 1907, was a renowned American actress and dancer known for her remarkable 60-year career. Despite a challenging upbringing, being orphaned at a young age and raised in foster homes, Stanwyck's dedication to her craft and strong work ethic propelled her to stardom. Her versatility and realistic screen presence captivated audiences and garnered the admiration of esteemed directors like Cecil B. DeMille, Fritz Lang, and Frank Capra.Stanwyck's illustrious career spanned across stage, film, and television, with notable performances in iconic films such as "Double Indemnity," "Stella Dallas," "The Lady Eve," and "Sorry, Wrong Number." Her talent and contribution to the entertainment industry earned her multiple Academy Award nominations and recognition as one of the highest-paid actresses in the United States during the 1940s.Transitioning to television in the 1960s, Stanwyck continued to shine, winning three Emmy Awards for her outstanding work in series like "The Barbara Stanwyck Show" and "The Big Valley." Her remarkable achievements were acknowledged with an Honorary Oscar, the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, and numerous other lifetime honors.Barbara Stanwyck's enduring legacy solidifies her as a timeless icon in American cinema, earning her the 11th spot on the American Film Institute's list of greatest female stars of classic American cinema.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Barbara Bach
Barbara Bach

Barbara Bach, Lady Starkey, is an accomplished American actress and former model, best known for her role as the Bond girl Anya Amasova in The Spy Who Loved Me. Born in Rosedale, Queens, Bach's career began as a sought-after model in the 1960s, working with the Eileen Ford Agency in New York and gracing the covers of renowned international fashion magazines. Her acting debut took place in Italy, and she later gained prominence through her role in The Spy Who Loved Me. Bach's career also includes appearances in other films and a feature in Playboy. Beyond her successful career, Bach co-founded the Self Help Addiction Recovery Program (SHARP) and, alongside her husband Ringo Starr, established The Lotus Foundation, a charitable organization with several sub-charities. Bach's personal life has seen her marriage to Italian businessman Augusto, Count Gregorini di Savignano di Romagna, with whom she shares two children, before marrying Ringo Starr in 1981. The couple has remained devoted to each other while overcoming personal struggles, including alcoholism and drug use. Bach and Starr are known for practicing vegetarianism and are committed to sober living. With a multilingual proficiency, Bach is fluent in Italian and has a working knowledge of French and Spanish.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Barbara Hershey
Barbara Hershey

Barbara Hershey, born Barbara Lynn Herzstein on February 5, 1948, is a renowned American actress with a career spanning over 50 years. She has showcased her versatility by portraying diverse roles in television and cinema, ranging from westerns to horrors and comedies. Although she began her acting journey at 17, it wasn't until the 1980s that she gained widespread critical acclaim, being hailed as "one of America's finest actresses" by the Chicago Tribune. Hershey's remarkable performances have earned her numerous accolades, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her role in "A Killing in a Small Town" (1990), as well as Golden Globe nominations for her roles in "The Last Temptation of Christ" (1988) and "The Portrait of a Lady" (1996). Additionally, she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress and won the Los Angeles Film Critics Award for her performance in the latter film. Recognized for her talent, Hershey has also been honored with two Best Actress awards at the Cannes Film Festival. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, she has persevered and solidified her position as a distinguished actress in the industry.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Barbara Bush (born 1981)
Barbara Bush (born 1981)

Barbara Pierce Bush, born on November 25, 1981, is an American activist, author, and the co-founder and chair of the board of the nonprofit organization Global Health Corps. She is known for her philanthropic work and commitment to public health-focused initiatives. Barbara, along with her twin sister Jenna, is the daughter of the 43rd U.S. president, George W. Bush, and former first lady Laura Bush. She has been actively involved in various social and political activities, including advocating for global health equity, working with AIDS patients in Africa, and endorsing marriage equality. Barbara is a graduate of Yale University and holds a Master in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School. She is also the co-author of the memoir "Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life," published in 2017. In 2018, she married screenwriter Craig Louis Coyne, and the couple has two children. Barbara's dedication to humanitarian causes and her contribution to public service make her a prominent figure in the realm of social activism and global health advocacy.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Barbara Walters
Barbara Walters

Barbara Jill Walters (September 25, 1929 – December 30, 2022) was a prominent American broadcast journalist and television personality known for her exceptional interviewing skills and popularity with viewers. Throughout her career, which spanned from 1951 until her retirement in 2016, Walters hosted numerous television programs, including Today, the ABC Evening News, 20/20, and The View. Her contributions to the field of journalism were widely recognized, leading to her induction into the Television Hall of Fame in 1989 and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NATAS in 2000. Additionally, Walters was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007.Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Walters was the daughter of Dena and Lou Walters. Her father, a significant figure in show business, managed the Latin Quarter nightclub and was involved in Broadway productions. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of her brother and sister, Walters' upbringing surrounded by celebrities instilled in her a sense of familiarity with fame. She attended Lawrence School in Massachusetts and later moved to Miami Beach before eventually settling in New York City.Throughout her career, Walters conducted groundbreaking interviews with a wide array of influential figures, including world leaders, actors, and controversial personalities. Her legacy includes breaking barriers for women in broadcasting and her lasting impact on television journalism. Walters' contributions to the industry solidified her status as an iconic figure in American media.

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