What does Tallulah mean and where does it come from?
Tallulah is derived from the Native American Choctaw word meaning 'leaping waters.' The name gained popularity in the early 20th century and is often associated with the actress Tallulah Bankhead. In Irish contexts, it may be related to Tadhg as a derived/variant name. The name embodies a sense of n
Cultural significance
Tallulah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Native American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of leaping waters..
Peak popularity
Reached #1132 in 2020 — currently #814 in the US.
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Related Reading
Native American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tallulah?
Tallulah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tallulah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tallulah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tallulah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tallulah Claire
French influence · crisp
Tallulah Jane
Literary · strong
Tallulah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tallulah right now?
Rising fast — up 186 spots — currently #814 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #814 | 342 | ▲ up 186 · +31% births |
| 2022 | #1000 | 262 | ▲ up 22 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1022 | 249 | ▲ up 110 · +19% births |
| 2020 | #1132 | 209 | ▲ up 324 · +32% births |
| 2015 | #1456 | 158 | ▲ up 258 · +30% births |
| 2010 | #1714 | 122 | ▲ up 1652 · +171% births |
| 2005 | #3366 | 45 | ▲ up 944 · +61% births |
| 2000 | #4310 | 28 | ▲ up 9314 · +460% births |
| 1995 | #13624 | 5 | ▼ down 5938 · -37% births |
| 1985 | #7686 | 8 | ▲ up 1594 · +33% births |
| 1980 | #9280 | 6 | ▼ down 3824 |
| 1955 | #5456 | 6 | ▼ down 30 · +20% births |
| 1925 | #5426 | 5 | — |
The story of Tallulah
Tallulah entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. With 2,613 total births recorded, Tallulah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5426 in 1925 to #814 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tallulah in 2020:
Tallulah by decade
Tallulah peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s | 11 | |
| 1930s | 61 | |
| 1940s | 43 | |
| 1950s | 31 | |
| 1970s | 6 | |
| 1980s | 43 | |
| 1990s | 61 | |
| 2000s | 606 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,531 | |
| 2020s | 209 | |
💎With 2,613 total births, Tallulah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tallulah?
What names sound and feel like Tallulah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tallulah also consider these
Common questions about the name Tallulah
What does the name Tallulah mean?
Tallulah means "leaping waters." — a name rooted in Native American 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 Tallulah?
Tallulah is currently ranked #814 as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tallulah have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Tallulah?
Tallulah originates from Native American tradition. Native American 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 Tallulah?
Tallulah is a three-syllable name pronounced T AE2 L UW1 L 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 Tallulah?
Tallulah pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Native American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.