The name Barbara has its origins in the Greek language and culture, and it is derived from the Greek word "barbaros," which means "foreign" or "stranger." This name first appeared around the 3rd century AD and was initially used to refer to non-Greeks or those who did not speak the Greek language fluently.

In the early years of Christianity, the name Barbara gained significance due to the legend of Saint Barbara, a young woman martyred for her faith in the 3rd or 4th century AD. According to tradition, she was imprisoned and eventually beheaded by her father, a pagan, for converting to Christianity. Her story and name became popular among early Christians, and she was venerated as a saint and a symbol of steadfast faith.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Barbara can be found in the Greek martyrologies, which recount the lives and deaths of Christian martyrs. These texts date back to the 5th or 6th century AD and contain references to Saint Barbara and her martyrdom.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Barbara. One of the most famous was Barbara of Nicomedia, the aforementioned early Christian martyr, whose feast day is celebrated on December 4th in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. Another notable Barbara was Barbara of Cilli (1392-1451), a Hungarian princess who became the Queen of Germany and the Holy Roman Empress through her marriage to Emperor Sigismund.

In the 16th century, Barbara Radziwiłł (1520-1551) was a prominent figure in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. She was a renowned patron of the arts and played a significant role in the Renaissance cultural movement in Eastern Europe. Additionally, Barbara Villiers (1640-1709), a prominent English courtier and mistress of King Charles II, wielded considerable influence during the Restoration period.

The name Barbara also has a connection to the arts, with one of the most famous examples being Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677), an Italian singer and composer who was a pioneer in the field of opera and helped establish the genre in its early stages.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who carried the name Barbara, demonstrating its enduring popularity and significance across various cultures and time periods.