An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Barbe

by Friedrich Kluge

Barbe, f., ‘barbel,’ from MidHG. barbe, f., OHG. barbo, m., which is based upon the equiv. Lat. barbus. The fish derived its name from barba, ‘beard,’ on account of its beard-like appendages; from the Lat. word comes Fr. barbeau (from MidLat. barbellus), whence E. barbel, as well as barb; comp. also Ital. barbio, ‘barbel.’