Barbara vs Joan
Choosing between Barbara and Joan? Compare meanings, origins, and popularity trends to find the perfect baby name.
Barbara
Gender: boy
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Foreign, strange
Peak: 1938 (3.44%)
Joan
Gender: boy
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is gracious
Peak: 1932 (1.90%)
Popularity Comparison
| Year | Barbara | Joan |
|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 0.13% | 0.01% |
| 1890 | 0.12% | 0.01% |
| 1900 | 0.11% | 0.02% |
| 1910 | 0.15% | 0.05% |
| 1920 | 0.41% | 0.13% |
| 1930 | 1.57% | 1.33% |
| 1940 | 3.11% | 1.12% |
| 1950 | 2.36% | 0.50% |
| 1960 | 1.18% | 0.28% |
| 1970 | 0.44% | 0.07% |
| 1980 | 0.14% | 0.02% |
| 1990 | 0.07% | 0.01% |
| 2000 | 0.03% | 0.01% |
Parents Also Consider
FAQ
Is Barbara or Joan more popular?
Barbara has historically been more popular. Barbara peaked in 1938 while Joan peaked in 1932.
What is the meaning of Barbara?
Barbara means "Foreign, strange" and has Greek origins.
What is the meaning of Joan?
Joan means "God is gracious" and has Hebrew origins.
Can Barbara and Joan be used as sibling names?
Barbara and Joan can work well as sibling names. They come from different origins, giving a diverse feel.