What does Tabatha mean and where does it come from?
The name Tabatha originates from the Hebrew name 'טבּitha' (Tabitha), meaning 'gazelle'. The use of the name can be traced back to biblical times, specifically in the New Testament, where Tabitha is a character in the Book of Acts. The name was popularized in English-speaking countries during the 17
Cultural significance
Tabatha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gazelle.
Peak popularity
Reached #282 in 1983 — currently #9531 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Tabatha?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Tabatha?
Tabatha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tabatha Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tabatha Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tabatha Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tabatha Claire
French influence · crisp
Tabatha Jane
Literary · strong
Tabatha Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tabatha right now?
Falling — down 2278 spots — currently #9531 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9531 | 11 | ▼ down 2278 · -31% births |
| 2022 | #7253 | 16 | ▲ up 1217 · +33% births |
| 2020 | #8470 | 12 | ▼ down 3457 · -56% births |
| 2015 | #5013 | 27 | ▼ down 1792 · -47% births |
| 2010 | #3221 | 51 | ▼ down 834 · -31% births |
| 2005 | #2387 | 74 | ▼ down 1249 · -59% births |
| 2000 | #1138 | 180 | ▼ down 366 · -31% births |
| 1995 | #772 | 262 | ▼ down 356 · -57% births |
| 1990 | #416 | 614 | ▼ down 119 · -26% births |
| 1985 | #297 | 829 | ▲ up 43 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #340 | 711 | ▲ up 72 · +45% births |
| 1975 | #412 | 490 | ▼ down 11 · -16% births |
| 1970 | #401 | 585 | ▲ up 7101 · +11600% births |
| 1965 | #7502 | 5 | — |
The story of Tabatha
Tabatha is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1965. A total of 19,359 babies have received this name. Once ranked #7502 in 1965, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9531 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tabatha in 1983:
Tabatha by decade
Tabatha peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 2,445 | |
| 1970s | 5,272 | |
| 1980s ★ | 7,291 | |
| 1990s | 3,199 | |
| 2000s | 879 | |
| 2010s | 261 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
What are good nicknames for Tabatha?
What names sound and feel like Tabatha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tabatha also consider these
How is Tabatha written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Tabatha
What does the name Tabatha mean?
Tabatha means "gazelle" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Tabatha?
Tabatha is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tabatha have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Tabatha?
Tabatha originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Tabatha?
Tabatha is a three-syllable name pronounced T AE1 B AE1 TH AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Tabatha?
Tabatha pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.