Barney is an English name of Old Norse origin, derived from 'Bernulf' which means 'bear strength'. It was popular during the Middle Ages but has since become less common. The most notable bearer of the name is likely Barney Rubble, the best friend of Fred Flintstone in the cartoon series The Flintstones.
"Barney is an extremely rare name, with only five babies named Barney being born in 1961."