Barby

Barby is a feminine diminutive name that originated as a nickname for Barbara, which comes from Greek meaning 'foreign woman' or 'stranger.' This playful variation gained recognition in the mid-20th century, partly influenced by the famous Barbie doll introduced by Mattel in 1959. While less formal than Barbara, Barby (with the 'y' spelling) offers a slightly more distinctive alternative to the doll-associated spelling. The name has a cheerful, friendly quality that conveys warmth and approachability. Though never achieving mainstream popularity as a given name, Barby has been used consistently in small numbers, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it's relatively uncommon as a legal given name, with most people using it as a nickname. Its informal, youthful spirit continues to appeal to some parents looking for something familiar yet unconventional.

Pronounced BAR-bee.

As of October 2026, Barby ranked #11995 in US births in 1988 SSA, peaked at #3631 in 1959.