Standard spelling
芭芭拉
Bā bā lā
The standard Chinese spelling of Barbara.
- 芭
- banana plant; a common name sound
- 芭
- banana plant; a common name sound
- 拉
- a common name sound
Best when you want Chinese readers to see Barbara straight away.
Barbara in Chinese
In Chinese, Barbara is written 芭芭拉 (Bā bā lā), the standard spelling used in Chinese books, films and news. If you would like a name with meaning, try 佩兰 (Pèi lán): a Chinese-style name meaning wearing orchids, a classical image of noble character.
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芭芭拉
Bā bā lā
Barbara
Choose by sound or by meaning.
There is no single official spelling of an English name in Chinese. Here is what each option says, character by character.
Name with meaning
佩兰
Pèi lán
A Chinese-style name meaning wearing orchids, a classical image of noble character.
- 佩
- to wear as a pendant; to admire
- 兰
- orchid
Close to the “Bar-ba-ra” sound of Barbara, and natural to a Chinese reader.
Single character
兰
Lán
A single character meaning orchid.
- 兰
- orchid
Clean and minimal; reads well at any size.
Where Barbara comes from.
Barbara comes from the Greek barbaros, meaning “foreign”. Saint Barbara was an early Christian martyr.
Famous Barbaras in Chinese
- Barbara PalvinHungarian model芭芭拉·帕尔文
About Barbara in Chinese
What does the name Barbara mean?
Barbara comes from the Greek barbaros, meaning “foreign”. Saint Barbara was an early Christian martyr.
How do you say Barbara in Chinese?
Barbara is written 芭芭拉 and pronounced Bā bā lā. This is the standard spelling Chinese speakers use for the name. Best when you want Chinese readers to see Barbara straight away.
What does 佩兰 mean?
佩兰 (Pèi lán) is a Chinese-style name for Barbara: a Chinese-style name meaning wearing orchids, a classical image of noble character. 佩 means “to wear as a pendant; to admire”, 兰 means “orchid”.
Which version of Barbara is best for a tattoo?
芭芭拉 is how Chinese speakers will read your name. 佩兰 is shorter and every character carries a meaning, which many people prefer for body art. Write it in a readable style such as Kaishu, and show it to a fluent reader before your appointment.