The Barbie doll was invented in 1959 By Sharonrozen Mar 9, 1959 The Barbie doll was invented in 1959 Jan 1, 1961 The Ken doll was named May 21, 1969 Barbie did have a black friend named Christie May 21, 1980 red hair was added May 21, 1992 The best-selling Barbie doll ever