Barnaby is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #185 in 2025 with 273 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2014 with 285 births ranking #199. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 141.6%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 996 boys born was named Barnaby. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Barnaby is an old English form of Barnabas and is usually explained as meaning "son of consolation" or "son of encouragement". It feels warm, bookish, and distinctly traditional.
The name has biblical roots but developed its own English life, especially in medieval and later literary use. In modern Britain it has a gentle vintage charm rather than a heavy religious feel.