Holding steady.
Popularity of Tabby since 1955
Babies named Tabby per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 28 |
| 1960s | 76 |
| 1970s | 58 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Tabby entered the U.S. Social Security records in 1955 as a diminutive of Tabitha. Its peak year was 1971, when it was most popular. Though it has never appeared in the top 1000 and does not have a 1-in-N rate (meaning fewer than 5 births per year in recent data), it has maintained a stable presence, especially through the 1970s. The name is often chosen for its friendly, playful sound as a standalone name or as a nickname for Tabitha. Its trajectory is stable, indicating consistent but low usage without major swings. Tabby's top states are not listed, but it has been used across the U.S. with a slight concentration in the South and Midwest. Its simplicity and vintage charm appeal to parents seeking a short, sweet name with biblical roots.
Tabby originated as a pet form of Tabitha, which comes from the Aramaic name Tabitha (טביתא) meaning 'gazelle'. The name Tabitha appears in the New Testament, where she was a disciple raised from the dead by Peter. Tabby became popular as an independent name in the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1970s, and has remained in steady use since.
Sibling names for Tabby
Names that share Tabby's style, for a brother or sister.
