Barbara
Meaning: Foreign, strange, stranger
Origin: Greek
Gender: Girl
Rank in Australia: #136
Total births: 3,748
History: Barbara peaked in the 1950s-60s in Australia. The name has a strong, traditional character. Barbara represents the generation of Australian women who were the foundation of suburban community life — the volunteers, the organizers, the heart of every neighbourhood.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1969) | #98 |
| Babies named Barbara in 1969 | 86 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 3,748 |
| Peak year | 1953 (448 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #16 |
| Years in records | 1952–1969 (17 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 31 spots |
Frequently asked about Barbara
What does the name Barbara mean?
Barbara means “Foreign, strange, stranger” from Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Barbara?
Barbara has Greek origin. The traditional meaning is “Foreign, strange, stranger”.
How popular is Barbara in Australia?
Barbara ranked #98 in Australia in 1969 — given to 86 babies that year.
When was Barbara most popular?
Barbara peaked in 1953 with 448 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Barbara a boy or girl name?
Barbara is predominantly a girls' name in Australia — over 90% of Barbaras in registered births are female.
Is the name Barbara rising or falling in popularity?
Barbara has fallen 31 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #67 in 1964 to #98 in 1969.
How long has Barbara been recorded in Australia?
Barbara appears in birth records in Australia across 17 years — from 1952 through 1969.