What does Tamala mean and where does it come from?
Tamala is a modern name emerging in the United States, particularly within African American communities. It combines familiar and traditional names like Tammy and Pamela. While the name does not have extensive historical roots, it enjoys increased popularity among younger generations, reflecting a t
Cultural significance
Tamala has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a combination of 'tammy' and 'pamela', with 'tammy' derived from 'tamar', meaning 'date palm'..
Peak popularity
Reached #801 in 1971 — currently #1952 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tamala?
Tamala works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tamala Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tamala Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tamala Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tamala Claire
French influence · crisp
Tamala Jane
Literary · strong
Tamala Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tamala right now?
Holding steady — currently #1952 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1952 | 248 | ▲ up 5 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #1957 | 228 | ▲ up 5 · +15% births |
| 2021 | #1962 | 198 | ▲ up 14860 · +3860% births |
| 2005 | #16822 | 5 | ▼ down 7082 · -37% births |
| 1995 | #9740 | 8 | ▼ down 272 |
| 1990 | #9468 | 8 | ▼ down 5690 · -64% births |
| 1985 | #3778 | 22 | ▼ down 1634 · -54% births |
| 1980 | #2144 | 48 | ▼ down 1045 · -55% births |
| 1975 | #1099 | 107 | ▼ down 90 · -14% births |
| 1970 | #1009 | 124 | ▲ up 53 · +27% births |
| 1965 | #1062 | 98 | ▼ down 4 · -6% births |
| 1960 | #1058 | 104 | ▲ up 4650 · +1633% births |
| 1955 | #5708 | 6 | ▲ up 380 · +20% births |
| 1950 | #6088 | 5 | — |
The story of Tamala
Tamala entered American naming records in 1950 and has been in use for over 74 years. With 2,873 total births recorded, Tamala remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6088 in 1950 to #1952 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tamala in 1971:
Tamala by decade
Tamala peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 235 | |
| 1960s ★ | 1,189 | |
| 1970s | 1,040 | |
| 1980s | 306 | |
| 1990s | 88 | |
| 2000s | 15 | |
💎With 2,873 total births, Tamala is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tamala?
What names sound and feel like Tamala?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tamala also consider these
Common questions about the name Tamala
What does the name Tamala mean?
Tamala means "A combination of 'Tammy' and 'Pamela', with 'Tammy' derived from 'Tamar', meaning 'date palm'." — a name rooted in 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 Tamala?
Tamala is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Tamala?
Tamala originates from American tradition. 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 Tamala?
Tamala is a three-syllable name pronounced T AE1 M AE1 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 Tamala?
Tamala pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.