Sir Grantley Herbert Adams
First Premier of Barbados and a key figure in the island's political development.
IPA Pronunciation
/ˈbɑːrbəˌdoʊz/
Say It Like
Syllables
The name Barbados originates from the Portuguese word 'Os Barbados,' meaning 'the bearded ones,' referring to the island's fig trees with hanging aerial roots resembling beards. Historically, the island was named by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. As a given name, Barbados symbolizes strength, uniqueness, and a connection to Caribbean heritage.
Cultural Significance of Barbados
Barbados as a name carries rich cultural ties to the Caribbean island known for its vibrant history, colonial past, and significant role in sugar cane cultivation and the Atlantic slave trade. The island's nickname 'Little England' reflects its British colonial heritage. Naming a child Barbados may reflect pride in Caribbean roots, a love for island culture, or a symbolic connection to endurance and natural beauty.
Barbados Name Popularity in 2025
In modern times, Barbados remains relatively rare as a given name but is gaining attention due to the island's rising global cultural influence, notably through music, tourism, and celebrities like Rihanna. The name evokes exoticism and uniqueness, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name with geographical and cultural significance.
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International Variations8
Name Energy & Essence
The name Barbados carries the essence of “From the island of Barbados, meaning 'bearded ones'.” from Portuguese/Caribbean tradition. Names beginning with "B" often embody qualities of stability, nurturing, and groundedness.
Symbolism
Cultural Significance
Barbados as a name carries rich cultural ties to the Caribbean island known for its vibrant history, colonial past, and significant role in sugar cane cultivation and the Atlantic slave trade. The island's nickname 'Little England' reflects its British colonial heritage. Naming a child Barbados may reflect pride in Caribbean roots, a love for island culture, or a symbolic connection to endurance and natural beauty.
Elsie Payne
First female headmistress in Barbados, known for advancing education.
Errol Barrow
Founding father of Barbados and first Prime Minister after independence.
Samuel Jackman Prescod
First person of African descent elected to the Barbados Parliament.
Frank Worrell
West Indian cricketer and Barbados native, influential sports figure.
Claudette Colbert
Barbadian-American actress, early Hollywood star.
Grantley Adams International Airport
Named after Barbados' first Premier, symbolizing national pride.
George Lamming
Barbadian novelist and essayist, notable postcolonial writer.
Rihanna (Robyn Rihanna Fenty)
Singer and entrepreneur
Sir Garfield Sobers
Cricketer
Kenny Chesney
Musician
Shontelle
Singer
Obadele Thompson
Sprinter
Sir Frank Worrell
Cricket captain
Anthony Hunte
Boxer
Joel Garner
Cricketer
Love in the Time of Cholera ()
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides ()
Passion Fruit ()
Caribbean Life ()
Rihanna: ANTI World Tour ()
Calypso ()
Island in the Sun ()
The Mighty Quinn ()
Barbados
🌐Spanish
Barbade
🌐French
Barbados
🌐German
Barbados
🌐Italian
バルバドス
🌐Japanese
巴巴多斯
🌐Chinese
بربادوس
🌐Arabic
Fun Fact About Barbados
Barbados is the only Caribbean island with a name derived from a Portuguese word describing its bearded fig trees, making it uniquely botanical in origin.
Personality Traits for Barbados
Individuals named Barbados may be perceived as unique, adventurous, and grounded. They often exhibit strength, resilience, and a warm, approachable nature, reflecting the island's sunny disposition. The name suggests creativity, charisma, and a connection to heritage, often inspiring a worldly and open-minded personality.
What does the name Barbados mean?
Barbados is a Portuguese/Caribbean name meaning “From the island of Barbados, meaning 'bearded ones'.”. The name Barbados originates from the Portuguese word 'Os Barbados,' meaning 'the bearded ones,' referring to the island's fig trees with hanging aerial roots resembling beards. Historically, the island was named by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. As a given name, Barbados symbolizes strength, uniqueness, and a connection to Caribbean heritage.
How do you pronounce Barbados?
Barbados is pronounced (IPA: /ˈbɑːrbəˌdoʊz/). It has 2 syllables with the pattern N/A.
What are nicknames for Barbados?
Popular nicknames for Barbados include: Barb, Bardo, Babs, Barbie, Dos, B-Dos, Bari, Rado, Babsie, Barbs.
Who are famous people named Barbados?
Famous people named Barbados include: , , , , .
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Barbados is a beautiful Portuguese/Caribbean name meaning “From the island of Barbados, meaning 'bearded ones'.”. The name Barbados originates from the Portuguese word 'Os Barbados,' meaning 'the bearded ones,' referring to the island's fig trees with hanging aerial roots resembling beards. Historically, the isla...
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