'Barbra' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'Barbara', where the Greek root 'barbaros' meant 'foreign' or 'strange'.

'Barbra' changed from Medieval/Latin forms of 'Barbara' (it passed through Late Latin and Old French forms) and eventually became the modern English given name 'Barbra' as a variant spelling of 'Barbara'.

Initially it meant 'foreign, strange' (from 'barbaros'), but over time it evolved into a proper personal name with no literal meaning in common use.