What does Tameka mean and where does it come from?
Tameka is a name primarily used in the African American community and gained prominence from the mid-20th century onwards. The name is thought to have derived from the Swahili word for 'sweet' (tamika); however, its exact origins are somewhat debated. Tameka became widely recognized in American pop
Cultural significance
Tameka has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of possibly 'the one who is sweet' or 'the one who is prosperous'.
Peak popularity
Reached #241 in 1977 — currently #1422 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tameka?
Tameka works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tameka Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tameka Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tameka Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tameka Claire
French influence · crisp
Tameka Jane
Literary · strong
Tameka Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tameka right now?
Holding steady — currently #1422 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1422 | 778 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1427 | 758 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1432 | 728 | ▲ up 13885 · +12033% births |
| 2010 | #15317 | 6 | ▼ down 9454 · -71% births |
| 2005 | #5863 | 21 | ▼ down 2303 · -43% births |
| 2000 | #3560 | 37 | ▼ down 1494 · -44% births |
| 1995 | #2066 | 66 | ▼ down 1224 · -72% births |
| 1990 | #842 | 234 | ▼ down 359 · -45% births |
| 1985 | #483 | 429 | ▼ down 189 · -49% births |
| 1980 | #294 | 843 | ▼ down 25 · -6% births |
| 1975 | #269 | 893 | ▲ up 766 · +644% births |
| 1970 | #1035 | 120 | ▲ up 3788 · +1233% births |
| 1965 | #4823 | 9 | — |
The story of Tameka
Tameka is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1965. A total of 12,769 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4823 in 1965 to #1422 in 2023. Tameka is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tameka in 1977:
Tameka by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 148 | |
| 1970s ★ | 6,402 | |
| 1980s | 5,020 | |
| 1990s | 1,018 | |
| 2000s | 169 | |
| 2010s | 12 | |
What are good nicknames for Tameka?
AFRICAN AMERICAN
TanekaTanika
What names sound and feel like Tameka?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tameka also consider these
How is Tameka written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Tameka
What does the name Tameka mean?
Tameka means "possibly 'the one who is sweet' or 'the one who is prosperous'" — 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 Tameka?
Tameka is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Tameka?
Tameka 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 Tameka?
Tameka is a three-syllable name pronounced T AE1 M EH1 K 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 Tameka?
Tameka 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.