Barbara Leigh

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Barbara Leigh — foreign, stranger
1.5 million People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Barbara Leigh is a name combining Greek origins, bringing together "foreign, stranger" (Barbara) with "meadow" (Leigh). The first name Barbara is a feminine given name of Greek origin. From the Greek Barbaros (Βάρβαρος), meaning "foreign." Saint Barbara is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. The surname Leigh: Abisogun Leigh, Nigerian academic and administrator Adele Leigh (1928–2004), English operatic soprano Alex Leigh (born 1978), English fashion model Alice Leigh-Smith (born 1907), Croatian-born nuclear physicist Andrew Leigh (born 1972), Australian politician, lawyer and academic Angela Leigh (1927–2004), ballet dancer in Canada Anthony Leigh (died 1692), English comic actor Arethusa Leigh-White (1885–1959), British guiding and girl scout leader Augusta Leigh (1783–1851), only daughter of John "Mad Jack" Byron Augustus Austen Leigh (1840–1905), Provost of King's College, Cambridge Austin Leigh. Barbara is one of the most widespread first names worldwide, carried by approximately 1.5 million people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Barbara reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Barbara

Meaning: foreign, stranger

Greek

From the Greek Barbaros (Βάρβαρος), meaning "foreign." Saint Barbara is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.

Surname: Leigh

Meaning: meadow

English

Abisogun Leigh, Nigerian academic and administrator Adele Leigh (1928–2004), English operatic soprano Alex Leigh (born 1978), English fashion model Alice Leigh-Smith (born 1907), Croatian-born nuclear physicist Andrew Leigh (born 1972), Australian politician, lawyer and academic Angela Leigh (1927–2004), ballet dancer in Canada Anthony Leigh (died 1692), English comic actor Arethusa Leigh-White (1885–1959), British guiding and girl scout leader Augusta Leigh (1783–1851), only daughter of John "Mad Jack" Byron Augustus Austen Leigh (1840–1905), Provost of King's College, Cambridge Austin Leigh.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Barbara is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 22%
Australia 10%
Greece 8%
Canada 10%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Barbara by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Notable People Named Barbara Leigh

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Barbara Leigh:

3
Expression Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

8
Soul Urge Number

Ambition and material success. Represents power, business acumen and the drive to achieve significant goals.

4
Personality Number

Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Barbara?
The first name Barbara originates from Greek. From the Greek Barbaros (Βάρβαρος), meaning "foreign." Saint Barbara is one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
When was Barbara most popular?
The name Barbara reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Leigh?
The surname Leigh originates from English. Abisogun Leigh, Nigerian academic and administrator Adele Leigh (1928–2004), English operatic soprano Alex Leigh (born 1978), English fashion model Alice Leigh-Smith (born 1907), Croatian-born nuclear physicist Andrew Leigh (born 1972), Australian politician, lawyer and academic Angela Leigh (1927–2004), ballet dancer in Canada Anthony Leigh (died 1692), English comic actor Arethusa Leigh-White (1885–1959), British guiding and girl scout leader Augusta Leigh (1783–1851), only daughter of John "Mad Jack" Byron Augustus Austen Leigh (1840–1905), Provost of King's College, Cambridge Austin Leigh.
What are the origins of the name Barbara Leigh?
The name Barbara Leigh combines two different traditions: the first name Barbara has Greek roots, while the surname Leigh originates from English.
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