1959, trademark name (reg. U.S.). Supposedly named after the daughter of its creator, U.S. businesswoman Ruth Handler (1916-2002); see Barbara.
: Our Barbie Doll president with his Barbie Doll wife
noun phraseA mindless man or woman; a person lacking any but typical, bland, and neatly attractive traits: a Barbie Doll programmed to sing, dance, and fall in love
[1970s+; fr the trademark of a very popular teenage doll for children]