Barnabas

Meaning of Barnabas

Barnabas is a masculine name of Aramaic origin, attested in Greek as Βαρνάβας, and translates to “son of consolation” or “son of encouragement.” As an early Christian figure who partnered with Paul in the New Testament, Barnabas conveys connotations of support, advocacy and measured leadership. Pronounced BAR-nuh-bus (/ˈbɑr.nə.bəs/) in English, it carries an enduring scholarly resonance within Anglo-American contexts. In the United States, the name remains rare, ranking 902nd with 22 registrations in 2024; this modest usage spares parents the prospect of multiple Barnabases attending the same weekend playdate, while periodic upticks in the mid-1990s and late 2010s underscore its appeal to those seeking a traditional yet unconventional choice.

Pronunciation

English

• Pronunced as BAR-nuh-bus (/ˈbɑr.nə.bəs/)

• Brendan
• Benjamin
• Bernard
• Byron
• Barnaby
• Bartholomew
• Baxter