Barbro is a Swedish female given name that has been used in Sweden since the Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Old Norse words "barþr" meaning "quick" or "alert," and "bróðir" meaning "brother." Therefore, Barbro means "vigorous brother."
The name was popular among the Swedish nobility during the medieval period, but its use declined in the 18th century. However, it experienced a resurgence in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among the Swedish intelligentsia. Today, Barbro is still used as a given name in Sweden, although it is not as common as it once was.
There are no significant historical figures with the name Barbro, but it has been borne by several notable Swedes in recent years. For example, Barbro Sjöholm was a Swedish actress who appeared in numerous films and television shows during the mid-20th century, while Barbro Hadenius is a Swedish journalist and author known for her work on gender issues.
Overall, Barbro is an uncommon but distinctive name with a long history in Sweden. Its meaning of "vigorous brother" may make it appealing to parents looking for a strong and unique name for their daughter.
In the United States, the name Barbro experienced some fluctuation in popularity during the late 1920s and early 1930s. In 1929, there were 5 babies named Barbro, followed by an increase to 8 births in the next year, 1930. However, this momentum was not sustained as the number of births with the name Barbro decreased again to 5 in 1937. Overall, during these years, a total of 18 babies were named Barbro in the United States.