All about the name

Barnaby

Male

« Barnaby is an uncommon English given name derived from Latin 'barnaba', meaning 'son of encouragement'. It originated as a surname in ancient Rome before becoming a popular Christian name in the 17th century. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Barnaby is an uncommon English given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "barnaba," which means "son of encouragement" or "son of exhortation." The name Barnaba was originally used as a surname in ancient Rome, but it eventually became a given name. The name Barnaby first gained popularity in the 17th century and was often associated with the Christian apostle Barnabas. In the New Testament, Barnabas was known for his encouraging and supportive nature, which may have contributed to the positive connotations of the name. Despite its roots in Latin, Barnaby is considered an English name today. It has seen some fluctuations in popularity over the centuries but remains relatively uncommon. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Barnaby ranked #1623rd most popular boy's name in 2019. Some famous individuals with the name Barnaby include British actor Barnaby Kay, best known for his role in the television series "The Crown," and American musician Barnaby Whitfield, who was a member of the indie rock band The Walkmen.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Barnaby since 1880

Total births
368
Total since 1880
Peak year
1974
19 births
in 2023
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+42%
vs previous 5 years