Varvara is a feminine given name of Slavic origin, specifically from Russian and Bulgarian languages. It means "hardworking" or "strong". The name has its roots in the Latin word "varus", which signifies strength and endurance.
The name Varvara was quite popular among early Christian saints, particularly those who lived during the Byzantine Empire period. One of the most renowned among them is Saint Barbara, also known as Vavara in some traditions. She is celebrated as a martyr on December 4th each year by both Eastern Orthodox Church and Catholic Church.
In Russia, Varvara has been used since medieval times and was often given to girls born around Christmas time because of its association with St. Barbara's feast day. The name also gained popularity among Russian intelligentsia during the 19th century due to several notable figures named Varvara in Russian literature, including Varvara Pavlovna Stahov in Ivan Turgenev's novel "Fathers and Sons".
Today, Varvara continues to be a beloved and traditional name among Slavic communities. It is typically pronounced as /vɐrˈvarə/ with the stress on the second syllable. Despite its strong historical ties to Slavic cultures, it remains an attractive option for parents worldwide who appreciate unique yet meaningful names for their daughters.
In summary, Varvara is a Slavic feminine given name meaning "strong" or "hardworking". It has ancient roots through early Christian saints and continues to be celebrated in Russian culture today.
The name Varvara has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1975 and 2023, there were a total of 173 babies named Varvara, with the number of births ranging from 5 to 17 each year.
Interestingly, the name's popularity peaked recently, with 17 births recorded in 2016. This was followed by another high point in 2021, with 13 babies named Varvara that year. However, there has been a decline since then, with only 7 births in 2022 and 11 births in 2023.
Despite the fluctuations, it's clear that the name Varvara has had a consistent presence in the United States over this period. It will be interesting to see if its popularity continues to rise, stabilizes, or declines in the coming years.