What does Tisha mean and where does it come from?
Tisha is often considered a diminutive of Leticia or a variant of the name Tisha in Hebrew, which can mean ‘joy’ or ‘happiness.’ The name gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century, particularly in the 1980s. It also has resonances with Tisha B'Av, a day of mourning in Judaism.
Cultural significance
Tisha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of joy.
Peak popularity
Reached #311 in 1971 — currently #13329 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Tisha?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Tisha?
Tisha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tisha Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tisha Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tisha Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tisha Claire
French influence · crisp
Tisha Jane
Literary · strong
Tisha Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tisha right now?
Falling — down 2167 spots — currently #13329 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #13329 | 7 | ▼ down 2167 · -22% births |
| 2022 | #11162 | 9 | ▲ up 2187 · +29% births |
| 2021 | #13349 | 7 | ▼ down 6771 · -59% births |
| 2020 | #6578 | 17 | ▲ up 2357 · +42% births |
| 2015 | #8935 | 12 | ▼ down 224 · -8% births |
| 2010 | #8711 | 13 | ▼ down 3433 · -46% births |
| 2005 | #5278 | 24 | ▲ up 44 · +14% births |
| 2000 | #5322 | 21 | ▼ down 3669 · -76% births |
| 1995 | #1653 | 89 | ▼ down 328 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #1325 | 122 | ▼ down 349 · -22% births |
| 1985 | #976 | 157 | ▼ down 424 · -53% births |
| 1980 | #552 | 337 | ▼ down 124 · -28% births |
| 1975 | #428 | 466 | ▲ up 72 · +17% births |
| 1970 | #500 | 398 | ▲ up 575 · +319% births |
| 1965 | #1075 | 95 | — |
The story of Tisha
Tisha has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. With 9,497 total births recorded, Tisha remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4100 in 1945, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13329 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tisha in 1971:
Tisha by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 11 | |
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 39 | |
| 1950s | 127 | |
| 1960s | 1,105 | |
| 1970s ★ | 5,075 | |
| 1980s | 1,936 | |
| 1990s | 827 | |
| 2000s | 207 | |
| 2010s | 133 | |
| 2020s | 17 | |
💎With 9,497 total births, Tisha is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tisha?
What names sound and feel like Tisha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tisha also consider these
How is Tisha written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Tisha
What does the name Tisha mean?
Tisha means "Joy" — 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 Tisha?
Tisha is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Tisha?
Tisha 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 Tisha?
Tisha is a two-syllable name pronounced T IY1 SH AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tisha a common or rare name?
Tisha is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.