What does Tara mean and where does it come from?
Tara has multiple origins and meanings, notably in both Irish and Indian cultures. In Irish, it refers to 'rocky hill' and is linked to the Hill of Tara, a historic site in Ireland associated with ancient kings. In Indian contexts, Tara means 'star' and is associated with divine attributes in Hindu
Cultural significance
Tara has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #35 in 1977 — currently #799 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Tara?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Tara?
Tara works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tara Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tara Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tara Claire
French influence · crisp
Tara Jane
Literary · strong
Tara Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tara right now?
Holding steady — currently #799 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #799 | 1,401 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #804 | 1,381 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #809 | 1,351 | ▲ up 352 · +579% births |
| 2020 | #1161 | 199 | ▼ down 251 · -34% births |
| 2015 | #910 | 301 | ▼ down 133 · -15% births |
| 2010 | #777 | 354 | ▼ down 437 · -62% births |
| 2005 | #340 | 928 | ▼ down 101 · -31% births |
| 2000 | #239 | 1,338 | ▼ down 81 · -34% births |
| 1995 | #158 | 2,023 | ▼ down 73 · -47% births |
| 1990 | #85 | 3,824 | ▼ down 34 · -37% births |
| 1985 | #51 | 6,101 | ▼ down 8 · -3% births |
| 1980 | #43 | 6,283 | ▼ down 2 · -3% births |
| 1975 | #41 | 6,456 | ▲ up 28 · +21% births |
| 1970 | #69 | 5,330 | ▲ up 181 · +356% births |
| 1965 | #250 | 1,168 | — |
The story of Tara
Tara entered American naming records in 1939 and has been in use for over 85 years. Its peak popularity was #35 in 1977. More than 175,097 babies have been named Tara since 1939. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2419 in 1940 to #799 in 2023. Tara is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tara in 1977:
Tara by decade
Tara peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 7 | |
| 1940s | 392 | |
| 1950s | 3,175 | |
| 1960s | 14,583 | |
| 1970s ★ | 65,322 | |
| 1980s | 56,532 | |
| 1990s | 23,419 | |
| 2000s | 8,568 | |
| 2010s | 2,900 | |
| 2020s | 199 | |
What are good nicknames for Tara?
Famous people named Tara
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Tara (Celtic chieftain)
Tara bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
T(
Tara (Irish revolutionary)
Tara carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
T(
Tara (traditional Irish musician)
Tara passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
T(
Tara (Celtic chieftain)
Tara bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Tara?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tara also consider these
Common questions about the name Tara
What does the name Tara mean?
Tara means "Irish" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Tara?
Tara is currently ranked #799 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 Tara?
Tara originates from Irish tradition. Irish 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 Tara?
Tara is a two-syllable name pronounced T AA1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tara more of a girl or boy name?
Tara is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.