Alan vs Barbara
Choosing between Alan and Barbara? Compare meanings, origins, and popularity trends to find the perfect baby name.
Alan
Gender: boy
Origin: Celtic
Meaning: Handsome, cheerful
Peak: 1951 (0.44%)
Barbara
Gender: boy
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Foreign, strange
Peak: 1938 (3.44%)
Popularity Comparison
| Year | Alan | Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| 1880 | - | 0.13% |
| 1890 | 0.01% | 0.12% |
| 1900 | 0.02% | 0.11% |
| 1910 | 0.03% | 0.15% |
| 1920 | 0.04% | 0.41% |
| 1930 | 0.12% | 1.57% |
| 1940 | 0.20% | 3.11% |
| 1950 | 0.43% | 2.36% |
| 1960 | 0.39% | 1.18% |
| 1970 | 0.19% | 0.44% |
| 1980 | 0.14% | 0.14% |
| 1990 | 0.12% | 0.07% |
| 2000 | 0.12% | 0.03% |
Parents Also Consider
FAQ
Is Alan or Barbara more popular?
Barbara has historically been more popular. Alan peaked in 1951 while Barbara peaked in 1938.
What is the meaning of Alan?
Alan means "Handsome, cheerful" and has Celtic origins.
What is the meaning of Barbara?
Barbara means "Foreign, strange" and has Greek origins.
Can Alan and Barbara be used as sibling names?
Alan and Barbara can work well as sibling names. They come from different origins, giving a diverse feel.