Barbara Whitney

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Barbara Whitney — foreign, stranger
1.5 million People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Barbara Whitney is a name that combines Greek origins. 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 Whitney: Whitney is an Old English surname that derives from the location of Whitney in Herefordshire, England. It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book with the spelling Witenie. The name probably refers to the River Wye which runs through the area and which can become a torrent when heavy rains in the Welsh mountains cause it to swell. This surname has also been used as a first name for both males and females, and many locations around the world have been named Whitney after individuals with this name. 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: Whitney

English

Whitney is an Old English surname that derives from the location of Whitney in Herefordshire, England. It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book with the spelling Witenie. The name probably refers to the River Wye which runs through the area and which can become a torrent when heavy rains in the Welsh mountains cause it to swell. This surname has also been used as a first name for both males and females, and many locations around the world have been named Whitney after individuals with this name.

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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 Whitney

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 Whitney:

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 Whitney?
The surname Whitney originates from English. Whitney is an Old English surname that derives from the location of Whitney in Herefordshire, England. It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book with the spelling Witenie. The name probably refers to the River Wye which runs through the area and which can become a torrent when heavy rains in the Welsh mountains cause it to swell. This surname has also been used as a first name for both males and females, and many locations around the world have been named Whitney after individuals with this name.
What are the origins of the name Barbara Whitney?
The name Barbara Whitney combines two different traditions: the first name Barbara has Greek roots, while the surname Whitney originates from English.
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