Barnabas Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Barnabas has its roots in Greek and Aramaic, meaning 'son of encouragement'. It evolved through various linguistic forms and gained significance in Christian history due to its biblical association with Saint Barnabas. The name is characterized by its positive connotation and encouragement traits, while it is less popular in modern times but retains a favorable image.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Barnabas"
Pronunciation
/ˈbɑrnəˌbæs/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Barnabas comes from the Greek name 'Barnabás' which is derived from the Aramaic 'Bar-Nabba', meaning 'son of encouragement' or 'son of consolation'.
Meaning
Son of encouragement
Language Evolution
Bar-Nabba (Aramaic), Barnabás (Greek), Barnabas (Latin/English)
Biblical Background
Barnabas is a prominent figure in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, known as a companion of the Apostle Paul.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in Christian communities due to its association with Saint Barnabas, who was recognized for his role in spreading Christianity during the first century.
Variants & Derivatives
Barny, Barnabasz, Barnabás
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Barnabas is less common today but is viewed positively due to its biblical connections and meaning related to encouragement.
Famous People
Saint Barnabas, Barnabas Collins (fictional character from Dark Shadows), Barnabas von Geczy (historical figure)
📊 Barnabas Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Barnabas Name Visualizations
✨ Barnabas Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 24 peak births in 2017
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Barnabas"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Barnabas"
"Barnabas" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6773rd of 6773 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5396th of 7552 | 25 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4253rd of 10718 | 95 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5465th of 16616 | 125 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 8408th of 24088 | 118 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5445th of 23106 | 202 |
Regional Popularity of "Barnabas" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
74.46% 5080th/6822 |
- |
Regional Popularity of "Barnabas" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Barnabas"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Barnabas" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Barnabas" in the United States
The name Barnabas is most popular in Texas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Barnabas has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Barnabas' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6773rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5396th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4253rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5465th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8408th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5445th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Barnabas' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.