Barnabas \b(a)-rna-bas, bar-nabas\ as a boy's name is pronounced BAR-na-bus. It is of Greek and Aramaic origin, and the meaning of Barnabas is "son of consolation". Greek form of an Aramaic name. Biblical: Saint Barnabas was a first-century missionary companion of Paul and uncle of the gospeler Mark. Barnaby is used more often now in Britain. One of Charles Dickens' lesser-known novels is named "Barnaby Rudge". The name is used from time to time among literary parents. Bernabe is a Spanish form.

Barnabas has 17 variant forms: Barna, Barnaba, Barnabe, Barnabee, Barnabey, Barnabie, Barnabus, Barnaby, Barnebas, Barnebus, Barney, Barni, Barnie, Barny, Bernabe, Bernabe and Burnaby.