Declining since 1992, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Tal since 1937
Babies named Tal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 0 | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 | 5 |
| 1950s | 0 | 24 |
| 1960s | 30 | 240 |
| 1970s | 66 | 137 |
| 1980s | 128 | 203 |
| 1990s | 173 | 257 |
| 2000s | 116 | 228 |
| 2010s | 30 | 107 |
| 2020s | 5 | 59 |
Meaning & origin
Tal is a Hebrew name meaning "dew," a simple and evocative word name. First recorded in the United States in 1937, Tal reached its peak popularity in 1963. Since 1992, its use has been declining. As of 2025, the name ranks 7,194, with roughly 1 in 155,280 newborns receiving the name. Tal has not concentrated in any particular state, reflecting its widespread but sparse usage. For parents seeking a short, nature-inspired name with a unisex quality, Tal offers a distinctive option with roots in Hebrew tradition.
Tal is a Hebrew name meaning "dew." In Hebrew, טַל (tal) directly refers to dew, a symbol of freshness and blessing in biblical and poetic contexts (e.g., Genesis 27:28). The name has been used in modern Israeli naming culture since the early 20th century, often as a unisex name. Its simplicity and natural imagery have contributed to its appeal, though its use in English-speaking countries remains relatively rare.
“Tal” around the world
Where Tal lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Tahl
Sibling names for Tal
Names that share Tal's style, for a brother or sister.
