Barbie, the iconic doll, has a full name—Barbara Millicent Roberts! Introduced in 1959 by Mattel, Barbie was named after the daughter of Ruth Handler, the company’s co-founder. Ruth noticed her daughter Barbara playing with paper dolls and imagining adult roles, which inspired her to create a 3D doll for kids to dream big. Barbie’s full name has been used in various books, movies, and even her fictional diary, giving her a playful backstory as a girl from Willows, Wisconsin.

Over the years, Barbie has had over 200 careers, from astronaut to doctor, reflecting changing times and inspiring generations. She’s sold over a billion dolls worldwide, making her a pop culture legend. Her boyfriend, Ken, is named Kenneth Carson, and he showed up in 1961, also named after one of Ruth Handler’s kids. Barbie’s full name might not come up at playtime, but it’s a fun detail that adds depth to her plastic world. This bite-sized fact shows how a simple toy became a global phenomenon.

Next time you see a Barbie doll, remember her full name, Barbara—it’s a pop culture nibble that’s been around for decades. Share this with your friends and come back for more on Bitefact!