Aramaic

Barnabas

Pronounced BAR-nuh-busShare

Meaning: Traditionally son of encouragement; derivation uncertain

  • Boy
  • Rare gem
  • 3 syllables

The story

Acts explains Barnabas as son of encouragement. The original Aramaic form is not securely attested, and son of the prophet is another proposed interpretation.

Nicknames

  • Barney

Spellings & variants

  • Barnaby
  • Bernabé
  • Barnaba

Popularity

Rare gem

Rare in US records; use elsewhere may differ.

Style

Origins

Barnabas comes from Aramaic.

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