'barnabite' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'barnabita', where the name 'Barnabas' (via Latin and Greek) ultimately derives from Aramaic 'bar naba', with 'bar' meaning 'son' and 'naba' meaning 'consolation' or 'encouragement'.

'barnabite' changed from the Italian word 'barnabita' and ecclesiastical Latin usage 'Barnabita' and eventually became the modern English word 'barnabite'.

Initially, it meant 'follower or devotee of Saint Barnabas' (or one associated with a church dedicated to Barnabas), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a member of the Barnabite religious order'.