National Barbara Day – July 19, 2024

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

National Barbara Day is celebrated every year on July 19. The day honors all people worldwide with this unique name, which originated in Ireland. Barbara is a Hawaiian spelling of Babara. You can learn more about yourself and the people in your life by learning more about names and their meanings. So, on National Barbara Day, take time to discover your name’s origins. If you bear the name, this observance is created especially for you, so treat yourself to an unforgettable experience today.

History of National Barbara Day

Barbara is a Greek feminine name that means ‘foreign’ or ‘strange.’ It is derived from the Greek term ‘Barbaros,’ which has the same meaning. Whatever its origins, this moniker is a classic piece and is best known for its connection. Saint Barbara was tortured to death by her father, who was then prosecuted with death by lightning, according to Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox tradition. As a result, St. Barbara is a fire and lightning protector. In resistance to the pagan Romans and Greeks, early Christians referred to themselves as barbarians.

Barbara and its different versions are popular names for female babies born in Estonia, Chile, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Georgia, Poland, and Russia. It was one of the most famous girls’ names in English-speaking nations during the first half of the 1900s, but its popularity has declined in countries like the United States.

Barbara was notably well-known in Italy during the 1970s, ranking among some of the top ten names given to girls born between 1969 and 1977, soaring to second place in 1971. This was the most popular name for girls born in Bologna and Rome in the same year.

Some variations of the name are Babbie, Baibín, Baiba, Bairbre, Bára, Barabal, Barb, Babara, and Barba. Like many first names, Barbara has had its fair share of famous bearers who have done the name proud in some way. Notable bearers include Barbara Bach, Barbara Bush, and Barbara Eden.

National Barbara Day timeline

1913

Barbara's Popularity Peaks

Barbara makes it into the top 100.

1966

Texas' First African American Appointee

Barbara Jordan becomes the first African American woman elected to the Texas Senate from the Deep South.

1979

The Year's Best Inventor

Barbara Askins is officially named ‘Inventor of the Year’ by the Association for the Advancement of Innovations and Inventions.

1981

The First Space Shuttle Mission

Askins is instrumental in preparing for the first-ever space shuttle launch.

2009

An Award for a ‘Lifetime Achievement’

Barbara Walters is honored with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards on September 21.

National Barbara Day FAQs

Is Barbara a biblical name?

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Saint Barbara is known as the Great Martyr Barbara, an early Christian Greek and Lebanese martyr and saint. Recognized as one of the Holy Helpers — the 14 Auxiliary Saints — Saint Barbara is the patron saint of miners and artillerymen.

What is Barbara's symbol?

The peacock feather: a classic Christian emblem of life due to the idea that peacock skin doesn’t degrade. Saint Barbara is commonly associated with the peacock feather regarding her hometown of Heliopolis.

What is the male version of the name Barbara?

There are Italian masculine versions, which are Barberino, Barbaro, and Barbarino.

National Barbara Day Activities

Take a Barbara to lunch
Today is a perfect opportunity to treat Barbara to some good living. If you know anyone who bears the name, treat them to lunch on this special day.
Throw a party
Find someone with the same name as you if your name is Barbara. Have a Barbara name day bash in with your namesakes.
Share on social media
Some people are unaware of this holiday, and others might have forgotten about it. You can help others by spreading knowledge about this observance with your friends or on social media.

5 Famous Barbaras

Barbara Palvin
Palvin is a Hungarian fashion model who has modeled for the likes of “Vogue” and “Victoria's Secret.”
Barbara Bush
Bush is the wife of the 41st President of the United States, George Bush, and the mother of 43rd President George W. Bush.
Barbara Walters
Walters is a T.V. interviewer who hosted A.B.C.s “20/20” and “The View.”
Bárbara de Regil
De Regil is a Mexican actress known for her role as Ana on the show “El Torito.”
Barbara Milenkovic
Milenkovic is a popular content creator who has gained a large following on her TikTok account.

Why We Love National Barbara Day

We discover the meanings of names
Most of us have probably never considered the significance of our names. Today is our chance to learn more about it.
We love all Barbaras
With their great works, many Barbaras have become celebrities and impacted the world in some way. On this day, we express our gratitude to these individuals.
A perfect time to broaden your outlook
The name Barbara appears in numerous books and films. You will discover something new, gain new knowledge, and broaden your horizons by reading and watching them.