Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X, list of Scottish personal names).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BABBIE. Also Babie (Sc. 1819 Scott Bride of Lamm. iv.), Baby (Sc. 1793 Scots Mag. (Dec.) 616, 1800 Bonny Baby Livingston in Child Ballads No. 222 A.i.), Babby (Ayr. 1826 Galt Last of the Lairds xviii.), Baubie (Ork. 1880 Dennison SketchBk. 36), Bawbie (Abd. 1957 Huntly Express (16 Aug.)), Bawby (Sh. 1877 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 76). Dim. forms of Barbara. Ags. 1891 Barrie Little Minister i.; Per., Fif., Lth., Ayr. 1915–26 Wilson). Gen.Sc. Also in reduced forms Bab(s) (Per., Fif., Lth. 1915–26 Wilson; Sh., ne.Sc. 1975, Babs). [′bɑ:bi, ′b:bi]
