When was Barbie first made?

Get to know the history, facts of the iconic doll's origins Since she was first launched in 1959, a doll named Barbie has captured the hearts of millions across the globe. Barbie was the " first mass-produced toy doll in the U.S. with adult features," according to History.com.

How did Barbie get its name?

The doll is named after Handler's daughter Barbara, who was the inspiration behind Barbie's creation. Barbie was created by Ruth Handler of Mattel who was the principal architect of the doll's campaign. Handler was inspired by watching her daughter play with paper dolls that resembled adult women. At the time, baby dolls were the popular toy.

Who invented the Barbie doll?

Ruth Handler, who cofounded Mattel with her husband, Elliot, spearheaded the introduction of the doll. Barbie’s physical appearance was modeled on the German Bild Lilli doll, a risqué gag gift for men based upon a cartoon character featured in the West German newspaper Bild Zeitung. A first-edition Barbie doll, with box and accessories, 1959.