How did a 12th century Swabian emperor and a 16th century Ottoman pirate come to bear the same name, Barbarossa?

by Michaelconeass2019
wotan_weevil

One would normally expect a very simple answer to this question: "barbarossa" mean "redbeard", and since Frederick Barbarossa (1122-1190):

and Hayreddin Barbarossa (1478-1546):

both had red beards, this should be the end of the story.

However, Hayreddin Barbarossa was the second Ottoman pirate/admiral to carry the name "Barbarossa". Hos older brother Oruç Barbarossa (or Aruj Barbarossa) (1474-1518) was the first. There are two stories as to why Oruç was called "Barbarossa". The simpler on is that, like his younger brother, he had a red beard. However, he was also known as Baba Oruç, meaning "Father Oruç". This name is sometimes attributed to his rescue of many Muslims from Spain, but it more probably came from his sailors, who are said to have viewed him as a father figure. He was generous in sharing booty with his men, and was a well-liked commander. Indeed, he even distributed loot to the poor and homeless. It is said that this name, "Baba Oruç", gave rise to his nickname "Barbarossa". Which version is true? Perhaps they are both true, with "Baba Oruç" combined with a red beard making him Barbarossa.

After his death, his younger brother Hayreddin inherited his position as Ottoman governor of Algiers, and also the name "Barbarossa".