Barbara Lira

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Barbara Lira — foreign, stranger
1.5 million People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Barbara Lira is a name combining Greek origins, bringing together "foreign, stranger" (Barbara) with "balance" (Lira). 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 Lira: Lira is a common surname in the Portuguese, Spanish and Italian languages. It was also a given name during the Medieval period. Lira translates to libra in Latin, which means "balance". Aílton Lira (born 1951), Brazilian footballer Benedito de Lira (1941–2025), Brazilian politician Felipe Lira (born 1972), Venezuelan baseball player Johnny Lira (1951–2012), American weightlifter José López Lira (1892–1965), Mexican lawyer and politician Juan Enrique Lira (1927–2007), Chilean sport shooter Gonzalo Lira (1968–2024), Chilean-American novelist Michael Lira (born 1975), Australian composer Michael . 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: Lira

Meaning: balance

Spanish

Lira is a common surname in the Portuguese, Spanish and Italian languages. It was also a given name during the Medieval period. Lira translates to libra in Latin, which means "balance". Aílton Lira (born 1951), Brazilian footballer Benedito de Lira (1941–2025), Brazilian politician Felipe Lira (born 1972), Venezuelan baseball player Johnny Lira (1951–2012), American weightlifter José López Lira (1892–1965), Mexican lawyer and politician Juan Enrique Lira (1927–2007), Chilean sport shooter Gonzalo Lira (1968–2024), Chilean-American novelist Michael Lira (born 1975), Australian composer Michael .

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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 Lira

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 Lira:

11
Expression Number

Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.

4
Soul Urge Number

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

7
Personality Number

Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.

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 Lira?
The surname Lira originates from Spanish. Lira is a common surname in the Portuguese, Spanish and Italian languages. It was also a given name during the Medieval period. Lira translates to libra in Latin, which means "balance". Aílton Lira (born 1951), Brazilian footballer Benedito de Lira (1941–2025), Brazilian politician Felipe Lira (born 1972), Venezuelan baseball player Johnny Lira (1951–2012), American weightlifter José López Lira (1892–1965), Mexican lawyer and politician Juan Enrique Lira (1927–2007), Chilean sport shooter Gonzalo Lira (1968–2024), Chilean-American novelist Michael Lira (born 1975), Australian composer Michael .
What are the origins of the name Barbara Lira?
The name Barbara Lira combines two different traditions: the first name Barbara has Greek roots, while the surname Lira originates from Spanish.
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