Barnard College
Prestigious women's college affiliated with Columbia University
Barnard College is a prestigious women's college founded in 1889 and located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. Named after Frederick A.P. Barnard, the ninth president of Columbia College (now University), Barnard was established to provide women with access to higher education at a time when Columbia College did not admit female students. As an affiliate of Columbia University, Barnard students enjoy access to Columbia's extensive library system, courses, and resources while maintaining their distinct institutional identity and all-female undergraduate body. The college has educated numerous notable women including First Lady Michelle Obama, journalist Gloria Steinem, and actress Cynthia Nixon. Barnard is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in America and is known for its rigorous academics, commitment to women's education and empowerment, and vibrant cultural life in Manhattan. The institution represents a significant chapter in the history of women's higher education in America.
Notable Person
American
1889
Thinking about the name
Barnard
Germanic origin
“Derived from Germanic elements meaning 'bold' or 'strong' combined with 'bear,' creating a name meaning 'strong as a bear' or 'brave bear.' Barnard carries medieval nobility and warrior strength, with historical weight from Scottish and English aristocratic families. The name suggests capability, courage, and timeless masculine power.”