Derived from the Persian honorific title بابا (baba), which formally means "grandfather, wise old man, sir". Its informal meaning is "dad, daddy", but that particular meaning is probably not the reason behind the use of this honorific title as a given name and name element.
Diminutive of Barbara or other names with a similar sound. Borne by Baba Beaton, socialite and sister of photographer Cecil, and writer Eleanor “Baba” Brougham.