Barnabas

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What does the baby name Barnabas mean? Learn about what Barnabas means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Barnabas - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Barnabas

B-A-R-N-A-B-A-S, is a 8-letter male given name.

Pronunciation of Barnabas

BAHR-nə-bəs

BAR nah bus

Meaning of Barnabas

Exalted, son of comfort, son of consolation, the son of encouragement, son of a prophecy, son of exhortation.

Origin of Barnabas

The name 'Barnabas' has its origins in the ancient Greek language. It is derived from the Greek name 'Barnabas', which itself is a transliteration of the Aramaic name Barnevas, meaning 'son of encouragement' or 'son of consolation'. This name gained prominence due to its association with a prominent figure in the New Testament of the Bible.

The earliest known use of the name 'Barnabas' can be traced back to the first century AD when it was given to a companion of the apostle Paul. 'Barnabas', whose birth name was Joseph, was an influential figure in the early Christian community. He was known for his generosity, encouragement, and support of others, hence earning him the nickname 'Son of Encouragement.'

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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Barnabas

Barna

Barnaba

Barnabe

Barnabus

Barnaby

Barney

Burnaby

Popularity of Barnabas

Over time, the popularity of the name 'Barnabas' has fluctuated. In the early centuries, it was predominantly used within religious communities and among those who admired the biblical figure. However, it experienced a decline in usage during the Middle Ages.

In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in unique and biblical names, leading to a modest increase in the popularity of 'Barnabas'. While it may not be as commonly used as some other names, it has gained a following among parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their children.

Barnabas currently has 1 like, and is in the top 14% of liked boy's names. The name Adom is slightly more popular than Barnabas.

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Etymology of Barnabas

As mentioned earlier, the name 'Barnabas' is derived from the Aramaic name Barnevas, which means 'son of encouragement' or 'son of consolation'. The Aramaic language was widely spoken during the time of Jesus Christ and was the native language of many early Christians.

Cultural Significance of Barnabas

The name 'Barnabas' holds significant cultural value within Christian communities due to its association with the biblical figure 'Barnabas'. He was revered for his selflessness, generosity, and ability to uplift and encourage others. As a result, the name 'Barnabas' has come to symbolize qualities such as compassion, support, and inspiration.