Barbara, of Latin origin, translates to 'foreign' or 'strange'. It was popularized during the Middle Ages through the legend of Saint Barbara, who was venerated as a martyr and a patron saint of artillerymen, miners, and others who worked in hazardous conditions.
"The name Barbara saw a consistent rise in popularity from the mid-30s to the late 50s, with peaks in the early 40s and mid-60s. However, it experienced a notable decline starting from the late 60s."