An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Barbe

by Friedrich Kluge

Barbe, feminine, ‘barbel,’ from Middle High German barbe, feminine, Old High German barbo, masculine, which is based upon the equivalent Latin barbus. The fish derived its name from barba, ‘beard,’ on account of its beard-like appendages; from the Latin word comes French barbeau (from Middle Latin barbellus), whence English barbel, as well as barb; compare also Italian barbio, ‘barbel.’