Barbe

Barbe is a feminine name of French origin, serving as the French form of Barbara. Deriving from the Greek word 'barbaros,' originally meaning 'foreign' or 'strange,' the name was later associated with Saint Barbara, a popular early Christian martyr. Barbe was particularly common in medieval France, appearing frequently in historical records from the 12th to 17th centuries. While its usage declined in modern times, it retains its historical charm and cultural significance. The name's single-syllable simplicity gives it a certain elegance, though modern parents more commonly opt for Barbara or its variants. In French-speaking regions, Barbe occasionally appears as a traditional family name honoring ancestral connections.

As of October 2026, Barbe ranked #5898 in US births in 1961 SSA, peaked at #3215 in 1952.