How common is the name Barbara Ryan?

The first name Barbara is shared by approximately 1.5 million people worldwide. The surname Ryan is among the most recognizable in its region of origin.

Where is the name Barbara most common?

The name Barbara is most prevalent in United States and surrounding regions.

When was Barbara most popular?

The name Barbara reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.

Barbara Ryan — Name Meaning, Origin & Statistics

Barbara Ryan is a name combining Greek origins, bringing together "foreign, stranger" (Barbara) with "little king" (Ryan). 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 Ryan from the Irish surname Ó Riain, meaning "descendant of Rian" (possibly "little king" or related to water). 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: Ryan

Meaning: little king

Celtic

From the Irish surname Ó Riain, meaning "descendant of Rian" (possibly "little king" or related to water).

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

Notable People Named Barbara Ryan

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 Ryan:

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.
How common is the name Barbara Ryan?: The first name Barbara is shared by approximately 1.5 million people worldwide. The surname Ryan is among the most recognizable in its region of origin.
Where is the name Barbara most common?: The name Barbara is most prevalent in United States and surrounding regions.
When was Barbara most popular?: The name Barbara reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.