The name Barbie is a diminutive form of the female name Barbara, which has its roots in the Greek language. The name Barbara is derived from the Greek word "barbaros," meaning "foreign" or "strange." It is believed that the name originated in the 3rd century AD in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

In the early Christian era, the name Barbara became associated with a legendary saint and martyr, Saint Barbara, who was executed for her faith in the 3rd or 4th century AD. This association contributed to the popularity of the name among Christians in various parts of Europe.

The earliest recorded use of the diminutive form Barbie can be traced back to the 16th century in Germany and the Netherlands. It was a common diminutive used to refer to young girls named Barbara.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Barbie was Barbie Cilliers (1608-1680), a Dutch settler in South Africa, known for her role in the establishment of the Cape Colony.

In the 19th century, Barbie Wachholtz (1815-1892) was a German actress and singer who gained fame for her performances in various theaters across Europe.

Another notable figure was Barbie Asmussen (1881-1951), a Danish painter and illustrator known for her impressionist landscapes and portraits.

In the field of literature, Barbie Antrobus (1898-1986) was a British children's author and illustrator who wrote several popular books in the mid-20th century.

More recently, Barbie Anaka (born 1958) is a Canadian singer and songwriter who has released several albums and performed extensively in her home country.

While the name Barbie gained widespread recognition with the launch of the iconic Barbie doll in 1959, its origins and historical usage predate the toy by several centuries, reflecting its evolution from a diminutive form of Barbara to a standalone name in its own right.