Barnabas
Barnabas: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbɑɹnəbəs/ · /ˈbɑːnəbəs/
Meaning and origin of Barnabas
- A male given name from Hebrew of biblical origin.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek Βαρναβᾶς (Barnabâs), from Aramaic בַרְנֶבֻאָה (barneḇú’â, literally “prophet's son”), from בּר (bar, “son of”) and נְבִיָּא (nəḇiyyā, “prophet”).
How popular is Barnabas?
Since 1880, 605 boys in the U.S. have been named Barnabas. Its highest rank for boys was #2882 in 1969. In 2025, 30 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Barnabas
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Hebrew boy names
Sibling name ideas for Barnabas
Sister and brother names that share Barnabas's Hebrew roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Barnabas FAQ
What does the name Barnabas mean?
A male given name from Hebrew of biblical origin. From Ancient Greek Βαρναβᾶς (Barnabâs), from Aramaic בַרְנֶבֻאָה (barneḇú’â, literally “prophet's son”), from בּר (bar, “son of”) and נְבִיָּא (nəḇiyyā, “prophet”).
What is the origin of the name Barnabas?
Barnabas is listed as a name of Hebrew origin.
How popular is the name Barnabas?
Since 1880, 605 boys in the U.S. have been named Barnabas. Its highest rank for boys was #2882 in 1969. In 2025, 30 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Barnabas a boy or girl name?
Barnabas is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 605 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.