Barbara Riordan

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Barbara Riordan — foreign, stranger
1.5 million People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Barbara Riordan is a name combining Greek origins, bringing together "foreign, stranger" (Barbara) with "king" (Riordan). 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 Riordan: Riordan is a surname of Irish origin (Irish: Ó Ríordáin, traditionally: Ó Ríoghbhardáin); Rearden and Reardon are variants of it. From rí, which means "king" and bard which means "poet", Riordan means "royal poet". In Irish tradition, the poet was very highly regarded in any royal household, as he acted as a scholar, historian and advisor to the king. Ann Fienup-Riordan (born 1948), American cultural anthropologist Bill Riordan (1908–1973), Australian politician from Queensland; minister for the navy 1946–1949 Daniel J. Riordan (1870–1923), American politician from New York; U.S. 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: Riordan

Meaning: king

Irish

Riordan is a surname of Irish origin (Irish: Ó Ríordáin, traditionally: Ó Ríoghbhardáin); Rearden and Reardon are variants of it. From rí, which means "king" and bard which means "poet", Riordan means "royal poet". In Irish tradition, the poet was very highly regarded in any royal household, as he acted as a scholar, historian and advisor to the king. Ann Fienup-Riordan (born 1948), American cultural anthropologist Bill Riordan (1908–1973), Australian politician from Queensland; minister for the navy 1946–1949 Daniel J. Riordan (1870–1923), American politician from New York; U.S.

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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 Riordan

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 Riordan:

5
Expression Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

1
Soul Urge Number

Leadership and independence. This number suggests a self-reliant, ambitious and pioneering personality that forges its own path.

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 Riordan?
The surname Riordan originates from Irish. Riordan is a surname of Irish origin (Irish: Ó Ríordáin, traditionally: Ó Ríoghbhardáin); Rearden and Reardon are variants of it. From rí, which means "king" and bard which means "poet", Riordan means "royal poet". In Irish tradition, the poet was very highly regarded in any royal household, as he acted as a scholar, historian and advisor to the king. Ann Fienup-Riordan (born 1948), American cultural anthropologist Bill Riordan (1908–1973), Australian politician from Queensland; minister for the navy 1946–1949 Daniel J. Riordan (1870–1923), American politician from New York; U.S.
What are the origins of the name Barbara Riordan?
The name Barbara Riordan combines two different traditions: the first name Barbara has Greek roots, while the surname Riordan originates from Irish.
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