What does Tulsa mean and where does it come from?
Tulsa originates from the name of a city in Oklahoma, which has a Native American history. The name itself is believed to come from the Muscogee (Creek) Native American word that translates to 'rock' or 'stone.' Although Tulsa is primarily recognized as a place name, it has begun to be used as a fir
Cultural significance
Tulsa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rock.
Peak popularity
Reached #4179 in 1914 — currently #3975 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tulsa?
Tulsa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tulsa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tulsa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tulsa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tulsa Claire
French influence · crisp
Tulsa Jane
Literary · strong
Tulsa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tulsa right now?
Rising fast — up 2219 spots — currently #3975 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3975 | 38 | ▲ up 2219 · +90% births |
| 2022 | #6194 | 20 | ▼ down 642 · -13% births |
| 2021 | #5552 | 23 | ▲ up 6600 · +229% births |
| 2020 | #12152 | 7 | ▼ down 236 · +17% births |
| 1995 | #11916 | 6 | ▲ up 1236 · +20% births |
| 1990 | #13152 | 5 | — |
The story of Tulsa
Tulsa entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 51 total births recorded, Tulsa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13152 in 1990 to #3975 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tulsa in 1914:
Tulsa by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 16 | |
| 2010s ★ | 23 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
💎Tulsa has only 51 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tulsa?
What names sound and feel like Tulsa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tulsa also consider these
Common questions about the name Tulsa
What does the name Tulsa mean?
Tulsa means "rock" — 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 Tulsa?
Tulsa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tulsa have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Tulsa?
Tulsa 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 Tulsa?
Tulsa is a two-syllable name pronounced T AH1 L S AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tulsa trending right now?
Tulsa is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.