Barbie

Barbie is an English diminutive of Barbara, which derives from the Greek barbaros, meaning foreign or strange, originally used by Greeks to describe those who did not speak Greek. The name Barbara was borne by a legendary early Christian martyr, which helped spread its use throughout medieval Europe. Barbie became widely recognized in the twentieth century through the iconic Mattel fashion doll introduced in 1959, named after the daughter of its creator Ruth Handler. Related forms include Barb, Babs, and the full name Barbara, as well as the male cognate Barry.