Baírbre

Greek

"foreign woman"

Baírbre Origin and Meaning

The name Baírbre is a girl's name of Irish Gaelic origin.

Baírbre is the traditional Irish Gaelic form of Barbara, featuring the distinctive Irish accent mark (fada) over the 'i'. The name derives ultimately from Greek 'barbaros,' which referred to non-Greek speakers, though its meaning evolved over centuries. In Irish culture, Baírbre has historical significance and reflects Ireland's rich naming traditions that preserve Celtic linguistic features. Though pronounced approximately as 'BAR-bruh' (similar to Barbara), the authentic Irish pronunciation may vary slightly in different regions of Ireland. While common in traditional Irish contexts, Baírbre remains quite rare internationally and even within modern Ireland, where the anglicized Barbara is more frequently used. The name carries connections to Irish heritage and linguistic tradition, making it a meaningful choice for families with Irish roots.