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I pronounce the middle syllable but only just: it's a barely audible pause, like with Catherine. I keep coming across 16th-18th century Barbaras and Barbarys in the research I'm doing and I quite like it too, but I really don't like Barbie.

In my experience, British English also drops the middle syllable from Barbara (and from Deborah, and no doubt others) unless the occasion is very formal (like a christening) or highly charged emotionally (Bar-ba-ra! I've told you five times to make your bed and tidy up. Get a move on!).

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I like Barbara in the way one likes vintage clothing: interesting, charming even but not for everyday use. Not yet, anyway. Give it time!

I am a Barbra (given name Barbara) - who legally dropped the "middle a" from the spelling last year to align it with the pronunciation that I prefer; and to further distance it from the "Bar - Bar" root, (as the "Bar - Bar" sound was originally used by intolerants to mock those who could not speak ancient Greek).

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I met a lady a few months ago who informed me that her friend had just dropped the "middle a" from her the spelling as well.

I like it, but I prefer Varvara, Barabal, and Barbro.

This message was edited 7/19/2016, 2:51 PM

I'm from England and I say it Bar-bra (2 syllables).

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I don't really like Barbara, it is very old fashioned to me and sounds quite frumpy. Also I dislike all the nicknames - Babs, Barbie, Bar...

Hi !!!

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Here in Italy this name (with Greek origin) is pronounced like the British way but as BAHR-bah-rah.

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Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

This message was edited 7/19/2016, 10:03 AM

Oh man, I don't like the name anyway but the "Barb-ah-rah" pronunciation really grates.