What does Tamara mean and where does it come from?
Tamara (תָּמָרָה) has Hebrew origins meaning 'date palm'. The name is widely used in several countries and has various cultural implications. In Hebrew culture, the date palm is a symbol of beauty and resilience. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, particula
Cultural significance
Tamara has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Russian Federation-speaking communities, where it reflects values of date palm.
Peak popularity
Reached #64 in 1974 — currently #1848 in the US.
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Related Reading
Russian Federation-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tamara?
Tamara works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tamara Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tamara Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tamara Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tamara Claire
French influence · crisp
Tamara Jane
Literary · strong
Tamara Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tamara right now?
Falling — down 109 spots — currently #1848 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1848 | 109 | ▼ down 109 · -9% births |
| 2022 | #1739 | 120 | ▲ up 169 · +15% births |
| 2021 | #1908 | 104 | ▼ down 90 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #1818 | 107 | ▼ down 494 · -40% births |
| 2015 | #1324 | 179 | ▼ down 248 · -23% births |
| 2010 | #1076 | 231 | ▼ down 438 · -47% births |
| 2005 | #638 | 437 | ▼ down 221 · -36% births |
| 2000 | #417 | 681 | ▼ down 159 · -36% births |
| 1995 | #258 | 1,070 | ▼ down 49 · -22% births |
| 1990 | #209 | 1,378 | ▼ down 61 · -31% births |
| 1985 | #148 | 1,991 | ▼ down 40 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #108 | 2,809 | ▼ down 31 · -23% births |
| 1975 | #77 | 3,628 | ▲ up 2 · -23% births |
| 1970 | #79 | 4,720 | ▲ up 25 · +32% births |
| 1965 | #104 | 3,563 | — |
The story of Tamara
Tamara entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. Its peak popularity was #64 in 1974. More than 131,112 babies have been named Tamara since 1917. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4340 in 1925 to #1848 in 2023. Tamara is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tamara in 1974:
Tamara by decade
Tamara peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 6 | |
| 1920s | 30 | |
| 1930s | 292 | |
| 1940s | 2,366 | |
| 1950s | 13,101 | |
| 1960s ★ | 39,118 | |
| 1970s | 37,235 | |
| 1980s | 21,336 | |
| 1990s | 10,706 | |
| 2000s | 5,102 | |
| 2010s | 1,713 | |
| 2020s | 107 | |
What are good nicknames for Tamara?
ENGLISH
TamiTamiaTammiTammieTammy
What names sound and feel like Tamara?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tamara also consider these
How is Tamara written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Tamara
What does the name Tamara mean?
Tamara means "date palm" — a name rooted in Russian Federation 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 Tamara?
Tamara is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Tamara?
Tamara originates from Russian Federation tradition. Russian Federation 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 Tamara?
Tamara is a three-syllable name pronounced T AH0 M AA1 R 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 Tamara?
Tamara pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Russian Federation heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.