Since 1959 Mattel has been manufacturing unique Barbie’s and inspiring the next generation of girls. In the 60+ years since Ruth Handler created the first Barbie, Barbie’s family and friends have become so numerous, it’s difficult for even the most avid Barbie collector to keep track. Today on the blog we’re highlighting some of the most iconic Barbie characters and helping sort through some of the confusion. Keeps scrolling to check ‘em all out. 

The most famous doll is of course Barbie herself. Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, and though her parents were never released as dolls, Margaret and George Roberts have had multiple appearances in Barbie shows and movies. Barbie’s popularity grew as she championed the slogan, “you can be anything.” She showed girls of all ages to follow their dreams and empowered them to imagine themselves as anything they want to be. If you want to read up on 12 specific times Barbie inspired the next generation, we’ve got a whole post about it here.

2. Barbie's Sisters

Introduced in 1964, Skipper is younger than Barbie and is often the shy but modern teenage sister. Over the years, Mattel has revamped Skipper a few times and newer dolls feature a signature streak of color in her hair. The color varies from bright pink to vibrant blue, to neon purple. Known for her love of gadgets and technology, Skipper has dreams of becoming a movie director. In her free time, she likes to listen to music and DJ. Although she is on the quite side, she has a funny and sarcastic side that shines around family and friends.

Skipper

Stacie

Younger than Skipper, is Stacie. She’s a pre-teen, sporty and always up for an adventure. With dreams of being a professional soccer player, Stacie is a tomboy who enjoys showing off. Stacie is actual Tutti 2.0. Older Barbie products featured Tutti and her twin brother Todd, but in 1990 Todd was retired and Tutti was renamed Stacie. It’s changes like these that make it difficult for collectors to keep up with the characters of Barbie’s Universe.

Chelsea

Speaking of name changes, Chelsea is even more confusing than Stacie. Until 2010 she was known as Kelly, and in Europe she was named Shelly. When Mattel & Barbie reimagined the youngest Barbie sister, Chelsea was born. She’s 6-7 years old with blue eyes and blond hair. Beloved for her childlike sense of adventure, Chelsea is silly, cute and still believes in magical myths like mermaids and fairies. Over the years, Chelsea had many friends, those dolls can still be purchase today.

Midge

Released in 1963 Midge Hadley is Barbie’s all time best friend. They grew up together in Willows, Wisconsin and they have stuck together ever since. Compared to Barbie, Midge favored simpler makeup and outfits. Known for her red hair and freckles, Midge’s time in the Barbie Universe is a bit complicated. She was replaced by a doll named PJ, but in the late 80’s she returned with her husband and kiddos. Then in the early 2000’s midge was re-released, this time single without kids. Despite all these changes, Midge has always been known for her kind heart, old fashioned ways and fierce loyalty and support of her best Barbie. 

Teresa

Another one of Barbies core friends is Teresa Rivera, a Hispanic doll that was introduced in 1988. She is a ray of sunshine with brown hair and light brown eyes. Her favorite hobbies include shopping, reading magazines, surfing, and baking. Of all Barbie’s friends, Teresa appears the most in Barbie Movies. Sweet, kind and full on the California Dream, she’s a great friend to all. 

Nikki

Nikki or Nicole O’Neil (whose last name was changed to Watkins), is a good friend of Barbie. She’s an African American Doll and has appeared in movies, shows, and books with Barbie and her squad. Back in 1996 when Nikki made her debut, she was first friends with Skipper, that changed when the Christie doll (another, now discontinued friend of Barbie) was replaced by Nikki. Friends with both Barbie and Teresa, Nikki loves fashion design, is creative, sassy and hip, and has 3 sisters, just like Barbie. 

The list of Barbie Characters would never be complete without her long time boyfriend Ken. Raised in Willows Wisconsin just like Barbie, Ken wants to be the best he can be for Barbie. He’s always there for Barbie ready to support her in any adventure. There are many variations of the Ken doll, but each is ½ inch taller than Barbie, making him a full 12” tall. Ken has a little brother, Tommy, who is friends with Chelsea. Collectors will find many Tommy and Ken dolls to add to their collections. 

Ken

Raquelle

Raquelle Nia Lee Kim is a Korean Barbie doll who is a frenemy of Barbie and her squad. She has black shiny hair and brown eyes. Released in 2006, Raquelle is the “villain” of Barbie’s Universe. All she wants is the fame that Barbie already has. That jealousy is where her villainous ways are born. Raquelle has a twin brother named Ryan, who’s in love with Barbie. Meanwhile Raquelle can’t stop crushing on Barbies boyfriend, Ken. The relationships are complicated, and the drama is real!

Hopefully you’ve learned some interesting tidbits about the dolls that inhabit Barbie’s Universe. Though this isn’t an all inclusive list, it certainly straightens out the tangled web of characters, name changes and discontinued dolls. Be sure to read up on the 7 Collections every Barbie Collector needs to know, and check back here for our next blog post where I break down the different labels Mattel gives their collector dolls.

Until then,