Barnabas Name Meaning, Origin, History, And Popularity
A classic steeped in faith.
MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.
In This Article
- ❯Origin, Meaning, And History Of Barnabas
- ❯How To Pronounce Barnabas?
- ❯‘Barnabas’ In QR Code
- ❯Notable People Named Barnabas
- ❯Barnabas On The Popularity Chart
- ❯Popularity Over Time
- ❯Rank Over Time
- ❯Popularity Within US States
- ❯Barnabas Name's Presence On Social Media
- ❯Barnabas’s Mention In Fictional Works
- ❯Names With Similar Sound As Barnabas
- ❯Popular Sibling Names For Barnabas
- ❯Other Popular Names Beginning With B
- ❯Names With Similar Meaning As Barnabas
- ❯Popular Songs On The Name Barnabas
- ❯Acrostic Poem On Barnabas
- ❯Adorable Nicknames For Barnabas
- ❯Barnabas’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
- ❯Barnabas’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
- ❯Barnabas Personality Traits As Per Numerology
- ❯Infographic: Know The Name Barnabas's Personality As Per Numerology
- ❯Barnabas In Different Languages
- ❯How To Communicate The Name Barnabas In Sign Languages
- ❯Name Numerology For Barnabas
- ❯Baby Name Lists Containing Barnabas
- ❯Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Barnabas
- ❯Frequently Asked Questions
- ❯Look Up For Many More Names
- ❯Phonemic Representation Of Barnabas
- Community Experiences
Origin, Meaning, And History Of Barnabas
The etymology of the name Barnabas is rooted in the Aramaic term ‘barnebhū’āh,’ which signifies ‘son of exhortation.’ This name is commonly given to boys and holds various implications, such as ‘son of prophecy,’ ‘son of consolation,’ and ‘son of the right hand.’ Its utilization in English, German, Biblical Latin, and Greek is uncommon. The New Testament recounts how Joseph from Cyprus, a Jewish man, accompanied Paul on his missionary expeditions and was designated Barnabas. The primary Aramaic term of the name is equivocal, although it could denote ‘son of the prophet’ or ‘son of encouragement,’ drawing from the ‘bar naviya’ root or Acts 4:36, respectively.
The pronunciation of the name Barnabas can differ in various languages. Its standard pronunciation is b(a)-rna-bas, but in German, it is BAR-na-bas, while in English, it is BAHR-nə-bəs. The name has other versions, such as Barnaba and Barnaby, and its shorter form is Barney. In different languages and societies, Barnabas is called Barnabé in French, Barna or Barnabás in Hungarian, Barnaba in Italian, Barnaba in Polish, and Varnava in Russian. The Spanish variant of the name is Bernabé. Despite the language, the name’s spelling is consistent as Barnabás, and the likely nicknames for Barnabas are Barney, Barnaby, Barn, and Ben.
Barnabas has been widely used in diverse domains such as literature, sports, religion, music, and politics. The name has been linked to various famous fictitious characters like Barnabas Collins, the bloodsucking hero from the TV show ‘Dark Shadows,’ and Barnabas Cuffe from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. In sports, Barnabas Bese is an exceptional football player, while Barnabás Berzsenyi and Barnabás Steinmetz are Olympic medalists in fencing and water polo. Saint Barnabas is additionally revered as a saint in the Catholic Church. Moreover, Barnabas Zhang, an early Chinese church pioneer, left an indelible mark in the religious domain.
Barnabas
How To Pronounce Barnabas?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Barnabas in English.
‘Barnabas’ In QR Code
Here's a unique feature for the modern, tech-savvy, and curious parents – have your baby's name in a QR code. If you want your close circle to know your newborn's name, all you need to do is simply scan and share it. The code not only shows the name but its meaning as well; this means you don't have to painfully explain the meaning of your baby's name anymore! So, go ahead. Download, save, and share it with your family and friends, or use it to create personalized keepsakes for your little one.
Notable People Named Barnabas
This section covers people who have made the name Barnabas famous with their contributions in various fields. It indeed is a little more inspiration for you to choose the name for your baby, don’t you think?
- Barnabas Sibusiso DlaminiPolitician
- Barnabas KelemenHungarian musician
- Barnabas BroughBritish merchant, accountant, and playwright; known for testifying against John Frost in treason trial.
- Barnabas BidwellAmerican politician, lawyer, and author; known for his achievements in Massachusetts and Upper Canada.
- Barnabas BurnsOhio lawyer, and politician; known for serving as state senator and organizing Mansfield Saving Bank.
- Barnabas EldridgeAmerican industrialist famous for leading the National Sewing Machine Company after acquiring Ames Manufacturing's sewing equipment.
- Barnabas EnjoyCook Islands footballer who plays as a defender for Takuvaine and the national team.
Barnabas On The Popularity Chart
The Social Security Administration’s data presented in graphs below shows how the name Barnabas has varied in popularity over time.
Popularity Over Time
Throughout the years, the name Barnabas has not garnered much popularity. In 2017, during its highest point of popularity, only 24 babies per million born in the US were named Barnabas.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
Barnabas was popular in the 80s but went down in popularity after that. It touched its lowest in 2007 and improved slightly afterwards.
Source: Social Security AdministrationPopularity Within US States
If you're living in the US, you might be curious about the popularity of Barnabas in your own state, a state you're considering moving to, or one with which you have a connection. Use the drop-down menu below to select any US state and discover the name's popularity within that region.
Texas
Barnabas Name’s Presence On Social Media
Before you finalize your baby’s name, you would want to assess if the name is rare or popular. Digital footprint of the name - it’s presence on the internet and social media platforms - can provide you with valuable insights on it’s popularity. A name’s online presence is an important metric for new parents to evaluate their options and make an informed choice. How many people are searching the name on Google, how many profiles are there on Facebook, does the name have a Wikipedia page? Such information surely tells you if the name is ubiquitous or unique. Here is how Barnabas fares on that count.
Barnabas’s Mention In Fictional Works
In this section, know how the creative minds have treated the name Barnabas in their fictional works. How often has the name been woven into the storylines, and how popular was the character – these details may not directly influence your naming decision, but you would like to know about Barnabas’s performance in the world of entertainment, won’t you? Moreover, it could be the name of the character from a movie or series you loved or binge-watched recently! So, check out Barnabas’s performance in the fictional cosmos.
Title | Character name | Role played by |
---|---|---|
Dark Shadows | Barnabas Collins | Jonathan Frid |
Documentary Now! | Barnabas Scott | Bill Hader |
Grim Dawn: Ashes of Malmouth | Barnabas | Mark Dodson |
Mystery!: Campion | John Barnabas | Robert Lang |
The Dead Inside | Mr. Barnabas | Michael Ian Farrell |
Dark Shadows | Barnabas Collins | Ben Cross |
Dark Shadows 30th Anniversary Tribute | Barnabas Collins | Jonathan Frid |
Auf dem Nockherberg | Bruder Barnabas | Michael Lerchenberg |
Auf dem Nockherberg | Bruder Barnabas | Gerd Fischer |
Names With Similar Sound As Barnabas
Are you searching for names that sound like Barnabas? Check out this list of options that have similar sound and rhythm.
Popular Sibling Names For Barnabas
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Barnabas, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Barnabas
Find matching brother names for Barnabas and create a wonderful team of siblings.
BarnabeGirl Sibling Names For Barnabas
Looking for some suitable sister names for Barnabas? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
BarunaOther Popular Names Beginning With B
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter B to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Barnabas
If you love the meaning of Barnabas, below are some names that share its meaning.
Popular Songs On The Name Barnabas
Acrostic Poem On Barnabas
Dive into the lyrical charm of the name Barnabas with this acrostic poem. Witness how each letter paints together a story, capturing the name’s individuality, strength, vitality, and sophistication. Inspiring, is it? Why not try a similar poem that describes what you think of your baby’s personality?
Brilliant mind, born to excel.
Ambitious achiever aiming for lofty aspirations.
Rosy-cheeked and bright-eyed, rousing hearts with soft kisses.
Naughty yet nice, you personify that variety is the spice of life.
Aspiring and working hard for true success.
Brilliant mind, you break barriers and build bridges.
Adventurous and echoing the spirit of exploration.
Sharp mind that sparkles with creativity, shining brilliantly.
Adorable Nicknames For Barnabas
Nicknames are an integral part of your communication with your baby. You tend to use several variations of your child’s name; some are meaningful, while others are simply adorable sounds. Here are a few nicknames you can begin with for the name Barnabas.
- Bar
- Barney
- Barny
- Bas
- Babs
Barnabas’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
Western astrology includes the construction of a horoscope based on the person’s exact time of birth and location to understand the positions of the planet, stars, and zodiac signs at that time. However, in popular culture, it is often narrowed down to the sun sign, which depends on the person’s birth date.There are 12 zodiac signs, each having dominant traits, planetary rulers, elemental connection, and more.
Zodiac sign or Sun sign
The Earth’s orbit around the sun is divided into 12 zodiac signs covering 30-degree sectors. According to Western astrology, the zodiac or sun sign depends on the sun’s position in one of these sectors at the time of your birth. Starting from the sun’s position at the March equinox, the chart goes anti-clockwise from Aries, followed by Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. These signs are ruled by planetary bodies - Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Furthermore, they are categorized into triplicities or elemental signs - fire, water, air, and earth - that govern their characteristics. Each of these zodiac signs features certain personality traits that may determine how a person presents themselves.
Why the date of birth matters
Each zodiac sign in Western astrology is linked to a specific range of dates in the year. Unlike Vedic astrology, where names can sometimes be used to infer astrological details, Western astrology relies entirely on the birth date.
To know more about your baby’s zodiac sign, choose the period in which your baby’s date of birth falls, from the options given below. This will give you a glimpse into the world of astrology tailored for your baby.
Select your baby’s birthdate range
Mar 21 – Apr 19
Apr 20 – May 20
May 21 – Jun 20
Jun 21 – Jul 22
Jul 23 – Aug 22
Aug 23 – Sep 22
Sep 23 – Oct 22
Oct 23 – Nov 21
Nov 22 – Dec 21
Dec 22 – Jan 19
Jan 20 – Feb 18
Feb 19 – Mar 20
Barnabas’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology, also called Jyotisha, provides deep insights into a person’s life based on celestial positions at birth. Rashi and nakshatra, which are an integral part of Jyotisha, are believed to influence an individual’s personality and life events. The following sections give you rashi-related information, such as the associated letters, elements, ruling body, quality, and nakshatra for the name Barnabas. These details help analyze a person’s characteristics, personality, and behavior.
Zodiac Sign (Rashi)
As shown in the following table, each rashi is associated with specific sounds, which are often used as the starting letters of names for newborns in Hindu families. Each rashi is represented by a figure and one of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space). One ruling celestial body, known as its 'rashi lord' or 'ruler' is assigned to these rashis. These bodies include Venus, Mars, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn. Furthermore, the rashis are assigned various qualities or gunas.
Rashi (zodiac sign) | Vrishabha (Taurus) |
---|---|
Starting letters for Vrishabha (Taurus) rashi | B, V, U, W |
Representation | Bull |
Element | Earth |
Ruling body | Venus |
Quality | Fixed (sthira) |
Birth Star (Nakshatra)
Another important aspect of Vedic Astrology is the nakshatras, the lunar constellations or star clusters that the Moon occupies during a person's birth. There are 27 nakshatras, each with its own unique qualities, attributes, and symbolism. Each rashi contains two-and-one-fourth nakshatras in it. For example, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and Krithika nakshatras.
The below table provides information on the nakshatras’ degrees on the zodiac circle, their lords and related syllables, for babies born in the Vrishabha (Taurus) rashi. These syllables/phonetics are popularly used to choose the baby name. For precise nakshatra calculation based on your baby's birthplace and date, use our Nakshatra Calculator.
Nakshatra | Degrees Of The Nakshatra | Nakshatra Lord (Ruler) | Name Syllables |
---|---|---|---|
Krittika (Karthikai, Krithika) | Taurus (0 to 10 degrees) | Sun | Aa, Ae, E, Ee, Ai, A, I, Oo, U |
Rohini | Taurus (10 to 23.20 degrees) | Moon | O, Va, Vaa, Vi, Vee, Wa, Wu |
Mrigashira (Makayiram, Mrigasira) | Taurus (23.20 to 30 degrees) | Mars | Ve, Vo, Ka, Kaa, Ki, Kee, We, Wo |
Barnabas Personality Traits As Per Numerology
The numerology belief system envisages a relationship between a name and numbers. The related numbers are believed to give insights into a person’s character. We have researched this area to connect the numerology-based characteristic traits to the letters of the English alphabet. And the results are fascinating.
Numerology followers believe that each letter signifies attributes that can influence a person’s attitude and approach. Among these placements, the most significant are the first letter (Cornerstone) and the last letter (Capstone) of a name. Cornerstone highlights your primary personality traits and explains how you face challenges and opportunities in life. Capstone can tell you about your approach to work and how you complete them. Often, a letter may be repeated twice or more in a name. This repetition signifies the intensification or amplification of the traits associated with the letter in an individual’s personality.
Read to know what characteristics the name Barnabas is known for in numerology. Here we have avoided repetition of letters and added them just once for a better reading experience.
BYou are compassionate, harmonious, and cooperative. You have an ambiverted yet friendly nature, making you approachable..
AYou are ambitious, brave, and independent. You tend to be dominating and seek power and status.
RYou are sensitive, creative, and emotional. You are always patient and like to help others.
NYou may be suitable for financial, legal, and public work. However, a repetition of these letters more than seven times can indicate frivolity.
BYou are sensitive, creative, and emotional. You are always patient and like to help others.
SYou approach work cleverly, but your emotional side can impact the results. So, take your time and think critically before you start.
Infographic: Know The Name Barnabas‘s Personality As Per Numerology
Barnabas In Different Languages
It’s exciting to see our baby’s name spelled and written in various languages. See how people spell Barnabas in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more! Each language has its own way of saying Barnabas, but it’s still the same special name. Learn how the name looks and sounds in different languages around the world!
Name | Language | Code |
---|---|---|
Barnabas | English | en |
巴拿巴 | Chinese | zh-CN |
बरनबास | Hindi | hi |
Barnabas | Spanish | es |
Barnabas | French | fr |
برنابا | Arabic | ar |
বার্নাবাস | Bengali | bn |
Barnabas | Portuguese | pt |
Варнава | Russian | ru |
برناباس | Urdu | ur |
Barnabas | Indonesian | id |
Barnabas | German | de |
バルナバス | Japanese | ja |
बरनबास | Marathi | mr |
బర్నబాస్ | Telugu | te |
Barnabas | Turkish | tr |
பர்னபாஸ் | Tamil | ta |
Barnabas | Vietnamese | vi |
Barnabas | Tagalog | tl |
바나바 | Korean | ko |
Barnabas | Hausa | ha |
Barnabas | Swahili | sw |
Barnabas | Javanese | jv |
Barnabas | Italian | it |
ਬਰਨਬਾਸ | Punjabi | pa |
બાર્નાબાસ | Gujarati | gu |
บารนาบัส | Thai | th |
ಬರ್ನಬಸ್ | Kannada | kn |
በርናባስ | Amharic | am |
बरनबास | Bhojpuri | bho |
Barnabas | Yoruba | yo |
How To Communicate The Name Barnabas In Sign Languages
In Nautical Flags
Barnabas
In Sign Language
Barnabas
In Braille Alphabet
Barnabas
In Morse Code
Barnabas
In Barcode
In Binary
01000010 01100001 01110010 01101110 01100001 01100010 01100001 01110011
Name Numerology For Barnabas
Numerology is an occult system that gives significance to numbers and their influence on human life and destiny. Numerologists attribute specific qualities, energies, and characteristics to a number. Parents who believe in numerology prefer to choose baby names that resonate positively with the child’s unique numerical vibrations, often derived from their date of birth. Here we give a general birth number and personality traits of the name Barnabas, based on the Pythagorean (Western) system. This analysis will differ from child to child based on their date of birth. You may use our numerology calculator for more personalized information.
Destiny Number
You are an inspiration, creative and hold a great vision for life. On the negative side, you tend to be egocentric, arrogant and you find it a challenge to remain humble.
Personality Number
You are dynamic, efficient, capable and controlled. You are often a leader and use your unique approach to doing things. You are motivating and inspiring with a strong sense of purpose while egotistical at times.
Soul Number
A natural entertainer, highly creative and inspirational. You are friendly, outgoing and social.
Baby Name Lists Containing Barnabas
Read through our baby name lists that include the name Barnabas and several other similar names. The wider the choice, the better your selection. Isn't it?
- Baby Boy Names With Meanings›
- Baby Boy Names That Start With Letter B›
- Aramaic Baby Names With Meanings›
- Aramaic Baby Names Starting With Letter B›
- Aramaic Baby Boy Names, Starting With Letter B›
- English Baby Names With Meanings›
- English Baby Names Starting With Letter B›
- English Baby Boy Names, Starting With Letter B›
- German Baby Names With Meanings›
- German Baby Names Starting With Letter B›
- German Baby Boy Names, Starting With Letter B›
- Greek Baby Names With Meanings›
- Greek Baby Names Starting With Letter B›
- Greek Baby Boy Names, Starting With Letter B›
- Christianity Baby Names With Meanings›
- Christianity Baby Names Starting With Letter B›
- Christianity Baby Boy Names, Starting With Letter B›
- Judaism Baby Names With Meanings›
- Judaism Baby Names Starting With Letter B›
- Judaism Baby Boy Names, Starting With Letter B›
- 114 Evil, Vampire And Demon Baby Names - Any Takers?›
- ›
Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Barnabas
Discover the presence of Barnabas in an array of films. Know about the various movies that have this name.
Movie title | Other titles | Release year |
---|---|---|
Prípad Barnabás Kos | Sprawa Barnaby Kosa, The Case of Barnabás Kos | 1965 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Barnabas?
The name Barnabas means ‘son of prophecy.’
2. What is the origin of the name Barnabas?
Barnabas has a Greek origin.
3. Is Barnabas a popular name?
Barnabas is not a popular name in the US since it never featured in the top 1000 names in the US since 1900, according to SSA data (1).
4. What is short for Barnabas?
Barney is a common diminutive for the name Barnabas. When people use the nickname Barney, it serves as a shorter and more informal version of the full name Barnabas.
5. Is Barnabas a biblical name?
In the New Testament, Barnabas was a significant early Christian figure and a close companion of the apostle Paul. He played a crucial role in spreading Christianity and encouraging believers.
References
- Popularity of name Barnabas.
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Barnabas
https://www.etymonline.com/word/Barnabas - Barnabas
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bd/barnabas?lang=eng - Barnabas
Roswell Dwight Hitchcock, Hitchcock’s Bible Names Dictionary - Astrology, Hermes (2023); Astrology for Beginners.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370635414_Astrology_for_Beginners - Shirley Lawrence; The Secret Science of Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Numbers and Letters.
https://www.academia.edu/97492675/The_Secret_Science_of_Numerology_The_Hidden_Meaning_of_Numbers_and_Letters_Shirley_Lawrence&nav_from=a3c5c3fd-555f-4584-b66d-4a3c8023402e&rw_pos=0 - Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia; “zodiac”; Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/zodiac - P.V.R. Narasimha Rao; Vedic Astrology: An Integrated Approach.
https://www.vedicastrologer.org/articles/vedic_astro_textbook.pdf - Paulo Martins; A Concise History of Hindu Astrology and Indian Spirituality; Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
https://www.saspublishers.com/media/articles/SJAHSS_112_33-36_FT_MAEgJAB.pdf - International Phonetic Association.
https://www.internationalphoneticassociation.org/ - Adam Szczegielniak; Phonetics: The Sounds of Language; Harvard University.
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/adam/files/phonetics.ppt.pdf - Lalita K. Wani et al; Review of Scientific Analysis Of Sacred Sound OM (AUM); Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), Novermber 2020.
https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2011207.pdf
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
Phonemic Representation Of Barnabas
Phonemics is the study of a language’s distinctive sound units (phonemes), as standardized by the International Phonetics Association. When choosing a name for your baby, knowing its phonemic pronunciation gives an idea about the name’s sound pattern and auditory appeal. You can assess the name’s ease of pronunciation, memorability, and softness. Here is the phonemic transcription of Barnabas in American and British accents.
- In American English: /ˈbɑːrnəbəs/
- In British English: /ˈbɑː.nə.bəs/
Pronunciation of names, in fact, any spoken word, involves the participation of various parts of the mouth, vocal cord, nose, and lungs. Underneath all the sounds we make is the airstream flowing from the lungs and moving up to the mouth. It’s incredible how lips, tongue, teeth, alveolar ridge, palate, glottis, and larynx work harmoniously to bring out the words. Studies have proved that positive sounds like OM (AUM) help maintain hormonal balance and mental health and reduce stress and anxiety. So, what parts does Barnabas trigger? Find the details here; the sound of Barnabas might bring in more positive vibes into your life!
Phoneme | Articulation |
---|---|
/b/ | Bringing both lips together. Airflow stops for a fraction of a second |
/ɑː/ | Tongue low back, open mouth. Airflow is continuous |
/r/ | Curling back the tip of the tongue behind the alveolar ridge. Causes some obstruction of the airstream in the mouth |
/n/ | Tip of the tongue touching the alveolar ridge. Airflow stops for a fraction of a second |
/ə/ | Tongue mid. Airflow is continuous |
/b/ | Bringing both lips together. Airflow stops for a fraction of a second |
/ə/ | Tongue mid. Airflow is continuous |
/s/ | Raising the sides of the front of the tongue but lowering the tip. Severely obstructs the airflow and causes friction |
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Jayshree Dhamani
Read full bio of Angela Alex
Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz
Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi