The name Barney has its origins in the Olde English language and is derived from the word "beorn", which means "warrior" or "bear-like man". It first emerged in England during the Anglo-Saxon period, around the 5th to 11th centuries AD.

One of the earliest known references to the name Barney can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of landholdings compiled in 1086 under the orders of William the Conqueror. It records a landowner named "Barnewinus" in Worcestershire, England.

The name Barney gained popularity during the Middle Ages, often given to individuals with a strong or imposing physical presence. It was commonly spelled as "Barney" or "Barnaby" during this time. A notable figure from this era was Barnaby Fitzpatrick, an Irish chieftain born around 1260 who led a rebellion against the English in 1315.

In the 16th century, the name Barney appeared in literary works, such as William Shakespeare's play "The Comedy of Errors", where a character named "Dromio of Ephesus" refers to another character as "Barney".

One of the most famous individuals named Barney in history was Barney Ross, an American professional boxer born in 1909. Ross was a world champion in three weight classes and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1957.

Another notable Barney was Barney Oldfield, an American pioneer automobile racer and pioneer of the Indianapolis 500. He was born in 1878 and was one of the first celebrities in the automotive industry.

In the 20th century, the name Barney gained further recognition with the character Barney Rubble from the popular animated series "The Flintstones". Although a fictional character, Barney Rubble helped popularize the name among younger generations.

Other notable figures named Barney include Barney Frank, an American politician and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, born in 1940; Barney Kessel, an American jazz guitarist and pioneer of the guitar amplifier, born in 1923; and Barney Ross, an American professional boxer and World War II marine, born in 1924.