Tulsa

“rock”

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#3975US 2023

38Births / yr

↑Rising

51All-time births

📅 Since 191400

How to pronounce Tulsa

TUHLS·uh

/ˈtəls.ə/ · stress on TUHLS · 2 syllables

“rock”

American origin · Girl name

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Tulsa right now?

Rising fast — up 2219 spots — currently #3975 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#3975 · Top 2.9%

1990

1995

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tulsa

Best Year2023Rank #3975

Peak Count38

Average Rank#8824

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 20236 years

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:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Tulsa by decade

Tulsa peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

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?

Common

TulTu

What names sound and feel like Tulsa?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tulsa also consider these

Tullsa

American · A beloved name

Tula

India · Balance

Telsa

American · From the name

Tulisa

United Kingdom · Latin

American · Bringer of joy

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.