What does Tal mean and where does it come from?
Tal (טַל) is a Hebrew name meaning 'dew', which symbolizes freshness and nurturing. In Jewish tradition, dew is associated with life and sustenance. It is a relatively modern name that has become popular in Israel since the mid-20th century. The name is used for both males and females, although it i
Cultural significance
Tal has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dew.
Peak popularity
Reached #4152 in 1989 — currently #7672 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tal?
Tal works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tal Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tal Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tal Claire
French influence · crisp
Tal Jane
Literary · strong
Tal Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tal right now?
Falling — down 1237 spots — currently #7672 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7672 | 11 | ▼ down 1237 · -21% births |
| 2022 | #6435 | 14 | ▲ up 1079 · +27% births |
| 2021 | #7514 | 11 | ▲ up 6095 · +57% births |
| 2010 | #13609 | 7 | ▼ down 5210 · -46% births |
| 2005 | #8399 | 13 | ▼ down 284 · +8% births |
| 2000 | #8115 | 12 | ▲ up 794 · +33% births |
| 1995 | #8909 | 9 | ▼ down 4341 · -57% births |
| 1990 | #4568 | 21 | ▲ up 1573 · +91% births |
| 1985 | #6141 | 11 | ▲ up 302 · +10% births |
| 1980 | #6443 | 10 | ▼ down 300 · +11% births |
| 1975 | #6143 | 9 | — |
The story of Tal
Tal is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1963. With 1,744 total births recorded, Tal remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6143 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7672 in 2023. Tal is used for both genders: 31% female and 69% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tal in 1989:
Tal by decade
Tal peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 24 | |
| 1960s | 264 | |
| 1970s | 202 | |
| 1980s | 329 | |
| 1990s ★ | 428 | |
| 2000s | 344 | |
| 2010s | 137 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎With 1,744 total births, Tal is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tal?
What names sound and feel like Tal?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tal also consider these
How is Tal written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Tal
What does the name Tal mean?
Tal means "dew" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Tal?
Tal is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tal have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Tal?
Tal originates from Israel tradition. Israel 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 Tal?
Tal is a one-syllable name pronounced T AA1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Tal sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Tal flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Tal ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.