Meaning & History
Barnabas is a name of Greek origin that derives from an Aramaic byname. In the New Testament book of Acts, Barnabas was the name given to a man originally called Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus who became a companion of the apostle Paul on missionary journeys. The original Aramaic form of the name is unattested, but it is believed to be from the phrase bar navi meaning "son of the prophet." However, in Acts 4:36, the name is interpreted as meaning "son of encouragement."
Historical and Biblical Significance
Barnabas is identified as a prominent Christian disciple and is even called an apostle in Acts 14:14. He was of Levite origin and sold a field he owned, donating the proceeds to the early church (Acts 4:36-37). Barnabas traveled with Paul to spread the Christian faith, particularly among Gentiles in the cities of Anatolia. He also participated in the Council of Jerusalem around 49 AD, which addressed the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian community.
Barnabas' story is primarily recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, with additional mentions in Paul's epistles. Some early Christian writers, such as Tertullian, attributed the Epistle to the Hebrews to Barnabas, though this remains speculative. The Epistle of Barnabas, a non-canonical work, was also sometimes ascribed to him by early Church fathers like Clement of Alexandria.
Usage as a Given Name
As an English name, Barnabas came into occasional use after the 12th century. It is now rare, though the variant Barnaby remains moderately common in Britain. Other language forms include Barnabé (French), Barnabás (Hungarian), Barna (Hungarian diminutive), Barnaba (Polish), and Varnava (Russian). The English diminutive Barney is also derived from Barnabas.
- Meaning: "son of the prophet" or "son of encouragement"
- Origin: Greek form of Aramaic
- Type: First name, primarily masculine
- Usage: English, German, Biblical (Greek and Latin), other European languages
- Notable bearer: Saint Barnabas, companion of the Apostle Paul
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Barnabas