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GIRL’S NAMES
What They Mean-Famous People That Bore the Name-The Name in History, Literature, Etc.
By Henry W. Fischer
[Welland Telegraph, 19 April 1912]
BARBARA
Barbara is the feminine of a Greek word denoting “stranger,” which was bodily adopted by the Romans.
The first known Barbara was a native of Asia Minor, and the reputation of being “barbarian” became attached to her when she lived at Heliopolis, Egypt.
American starwort is Barbara’s emblem and “Welcome” her sentiment.
St. Barbara, the daughter of a Roman noble, was beheaded by her own cruel parent when he found out that she had become a Christian. Her name day is December 4.
Among the miracles ascribed to St. Barbara are “conversations with Christ.” It is also reported that she was carried to heaven by angels.
St. Barbara is the only saint pictured with such modern warlike implements as cannons, this owing to the fact that in Europe the artillerists regard her as their patron. She is also the patron of miners, and in Germany and France little children pray to her for protection during thunder storms.
Barbara Villiers was the maiden name of the famous beauty of the court of Charles II, both during the king’s exile and while in power. She was imperious, bold, dazzling and scornful, often insolent, and made the king ridiculous by her relations to the stage, yet she was created Duchess of Cleveland and vastly enriched by the merry monarch.
“Barbara Allen’s Cruelty” is one of the very old English ballads found in Percy’s “Reliques.” A most pleasing Barbara is that of Charles Dickens’ “Old Curiosity Shop.” “The Slavery,” tidy, demure and exceedingly pretty, catches a good husband in the end.
“Lady Babbie” in “The Little Minister,” helped to increase Maude Adams fame. “Lady Bab” is an amusing character in the comedy, “High Life Below Stairs.”
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