What does Tola mean and where does it come from?
Tola is a name of Hebrew origin, and it means 'worm' or 'insect' (תּוֹלָעָה). It is also known in the Bible as the name of a judge of Israel. Tola was one of the judges mentioned in the Book of Judges who led Israel after the death of Abimelech. As a name, Tola embodies themes of resilience and also
Cultural significance
Tola has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of תּוֹלָעָה - meaning 'bug, worm'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1591 in 1899 — currently #1106 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tola?
Tola works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tola Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tola Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tola Claire
French influence · crisp
Tola Jane
Literary · strong
Tola Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tola right now?
Holding steady — currently #1106 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1106 | 1,094 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1111 | 1,074 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1116 | 1,044 | ▲ up 13957 · +20780% births |
| 2020 | #15073 | 5 | ▼ down 5256 · -55% births |
| 2010 | #9817 | 11 | ▼ down 5275 · +83% births |
| 1920 | #4542 | 6 | — |
The story of Tola
Tola has been a beloved American name for over 125 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1899. With 110 total births recorded, Tola remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4542 in 1920 to #1106 in 2023. Tola is used for both genders: 95% female and 5% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tola in 1899:
Tola by decade
Tola peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 6 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s ★ | 30 | |
| 1920s | 15 | |
| 1930s | 11 | |
| 1980s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 6 | |
| 2010s | 26 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Tola has only 110 total recorded births since 1899 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tola?
Famous people named Tola
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Tola (historical figure)
Tola bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Tola?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tola also consider these
How is Tola written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Tola
What does the name Tola mean?
Tola means "תּוֹלָעָה - meaning 'bug, worm'" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Tola?
Tola 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 Tola?
Tola originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Tola?
Tola is a two-syllable name pronounced T AH0 L AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tola a common or rare name?
Tola is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.