Barnabas is the name of the early church leader Joseph of Cyprus, whom the apostles surnamed Barnabas. Acts 4:36 explains the meaning: 'Son of Encouragement' (huios paraklēseōs), from Aramaic bar (son) + nabi (prophet/encourager).
Barnabas exemplifies the character described by his name throughout Acts. He sold a field and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:37). He vouched for the newly converted Saul to suspicious Jerusalem believers (Acts 9:27) — an act of gracious advocacy that launched Paul's apostolic career. He sought out Paul for the Antioch church, was sent with him on the first missionary journey, and even parted with Paul to give John Mark a second chance (Acts 15:36-40). Each act is a form of paraklēsis — coming alongside to help. The unnamed 'sons of encouragement' in every generation follow his model: believing in people others overlook, advocating for the vulnerable, and building up the body of Christ.