Holding steady.
Popularity of Tab since 1953
Babies named Tab per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 420 |
| 1960s | 425 |
| 1970s | 126 |
| 1980s | 86 |
| 1990s | 41 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 12 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Tab is a short, punchy name that saw its peak in 1957, ranking in popularity during the mid-20th century. Although it never achieved a top rank, the name captured a moment when clipped, informal names like Chip and Skip were fashionable. The U.S. data shows Tab was first recorded in 1953 and has seen a stable, very low level of use since its peak, with no significant rise or fall. It was given almost exclusively to boys, reflecting the era's preference for brisk, nickname-like given names. While never common enough to have a concentration in any top state, Tab embodies a distinctive mid-century Americana style.
Tab is typically a diminutive or nickname, most commonly associated with Tabitha, a name of Aramaic origin meaning 'gazelle', or from the English surname Tab, which itself may derive from a medieval given name. Its use as an independent given name in the United States gained modest traction mid-20th century, influenced by popular culture and the appeal of short, punchy names.
Sibling names for Tab
Names that share Tab's style, for a brother or sister.
