Skip to main content
Back to all names
BoyHebrew#4571stable

Barnabas

BAR-nah-bas

Barnabas is a boy’s name of Hebrew origin, meaning “From the Aramaic 'bar-naba' meaning 'son of consolation' or 'son of encouragement'.”. It currently ranks #4571 in the US, and peaked in popularity in 2017.

Letters8
Syllables3
OriginHebrew

What Barnabas Means

From the Aramaic 'bar-naba' meaning 'son of consolation' or 'son of encouragement'.

The Story of Barnabas

From ancient Aramaic, this name means 'son of encouragement,' a profound gift to bestow on your son.

Barnabas originates from the Aramaic phrase 'bar-naba,' translating directly to 'son of consolation' or 'son of encouragement.' This name carries the weight of early Christianity, most notably borne by Saint Barnabas, an apostle and companion of Paul. The name traveled from the Holy Land through the Greco-Roman world and into Western European traditions, maintaining its profound meaning of support and upliftment.

To say 'Barnabas' is to utter a word of profound comfort, a resonant sound that feels both ancient and deeply personal. You imagine your son as a source of strength for others, someone whose presence brings solace and whose words offer steady encouragement. When you write this name, you are not just labeling, but bestowing a legacy of kindness. It's a name that will feel like a warm embrace.

Nickname Watch

Kids pick up nicknames whether parents plan for it or not. Make sure you love the short forms too.

AI Features

Unlock Barnabas’s Full Story

AI consultant · Sibling matches · Cultural deep-dive · Compatibility scores

🔒 No credit card needed

Numerology

7

The Seeker

Wise, introspective, and spiritual. These names carry depth and a quiet inner power.

Famous Namesakes

  • Saint Barnabas

    Early Christian apostle, companion of Paul.

  • Barnabas Varga

    Hungarian footballer.

Personality Traits

EncouragingKindGenerousHelpful

Peak Year

#24 in 2017

Total Births

575

First Recorded

1920

More Names Like Barnabas

View all

Explore related name groups

Save Barnabas to your favorites list