The Origin of the Name Barney: Debunking the Friends Theory

When discussing the character of Barney Stinson from the hit TV show How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM), many fans are quick to draw parallels to the character of Chandler from the sitcom Friends. However, is the name Barney actually inspired by the Friends character, or is this a mere coincidence? Let's explore the various theories and delve into the true origins of the name Barney Stinson.

The Friends Connection

One of the most popular theories about the origin of the name Barney Stinson revolves around the character of Chandler from Friends. Nick Kroll, the actor who played Barney, has mentioned that he initially suggested the character be named 'Chandler,' a nod to the similarity in the characters' personalities. In one episode of HIMYM, specifically titled 'The One With Rachelu2019s Dress,' Chandler even considers changing his name to 'Barney.' This has fueled the idea that the creators of HIMYM might have drawn inspiration from the Friends episode for the name.

Beyond Friends

However, this theory may be more of a coincidence than an inspiration. It is important to note that the character of Barney Stinson came from a much earlier source. The character's name actually originates from the name of a drug dealer in the novel L.A. Confidential by James Ellroy. This novel was published in 1990, predating the creation of HIMYM, which first aired in 2005.

Looking Beyond the Spiderman Connection

Some fans have also suggested that Barney Stinson takes his name from the comic book character Spider-Man and his alter ego, Peter Parker. It is true that both Peter Parker and Barney have their own social charm and are known for their quips and comebacks. However, this theory is even less likely to be the origin of the name since it does not provide a direct connection to the novel or the Friends episode.

The True Origin of Barney Stinson

Barney Stinson's name came from the name of a drug dealer featured in Chapter 9 of the novel L.A. Confidential. The character's given name is Barry Stensin. This unexpected twist suggests that the creators of HIMYM may have been influenced by the literary world rather than the television universe, which is a more plausible inspiration.

A Significant Coincidence

While it is a significant coincidence that both characters share a similar name and the idea of changing one's name, it seems unlikely that the creators of HIMYM consciously drew inspiration from the Friends episode or Spider-Man. The novel L.A. Confidential, written by James Ellroy, provided a more direct and literary basis for naming the character Barney Stinson.

Conclusion

So, was the name Barney inspired by the character of Chandler from Friends? The evidence points to a different origin altogether. Naming Barney Stinson after a drug dealer from a pre-existing novel sheds light on the true inspiration behind the character. However, it's still an interesting coincidence that the creators might have been in a state of mind that led them to think of the Friends episode and the Spider-Man connection, reinforcing the connection between literature and television in the creative process.

Keywords

Barney Stinson, Friends, L.A. Confidential