Barbara vs Melissa
Choosing between Barbara and Melissa? Compare meanings, origins, and popularity trends to find the perfect baby name.
Barbara
Gender: boy
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Foreign, strange
Peak: 1938 (3.44%)
Melissa
Gender: boy
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Honey bee
Peak: 1979 (1.98%)
Popularity Comparison
| Year | Barbara | Melissa |
|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 0.13% | 0.03% |
| 1890 | 0.12% | 0.02% |
| 1900 | 0.11% | 0.01% |
| 1910 | 0.15% | 0.01% |
| 1920 | 0.41% | 0.00% |
| 1930 | 1.57% | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 3.11% | 0.01% |
| 1950 | 2.36% | 0.06% |
| 1960 | 1.18% | 0.21% |
| 1970 | 0.44% | 1.30% |
| 1980 | 0.14% | 1.78% |
| 1990 | 0.07% | 0.68% |
| 2000 | 0.03% | 0.23% |
Parents Also Consider
FAQ
Is Barbara or Melissa more popular?
Barbara has historically been more popular. Barbara peaked in 1938 while Melissa peaked in 1979.
What is the meaning of Barbara?
Barbara means "Foreign, strange" and has Greek origins.
What is the meaning of Melissa?
Melissa means "Honey bee" and has Greek origins.
Can Barbara and Melissa be used as sibling names?
Barbara and Melissa can work well as sibling names. They share Greek origins, giving a cohesive feel.