Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Talib since 1971
Babies named Talib per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 108 |
| 1980s | 91 |
| 1990s | 131 |
| 2000s | 299 |
| 2010s | 201 |
| 2020s | 77 |
Meaning & origin
Talib is a masculine name of Arabic origin meaning 'seeker' or 'student.' It has been in steady but rare use in the United States since first appearing in 1971. As of 2025, it ranks 12,008, with a 1-in-341,615 incidence among male newborns. The name saw its highest popularity in 2002, reflecting a period of modest interest. The trajectory has remained stable over recent decades, indicating consistent but niche usage. While no top states are associated with the name, its cultural resonance is tied to Islamic tradition and the value placed on education.
Talib comes from the Arabic root ط-ل-ب (ṭ-l-b), which conveys the idea of seeking or desiring. The noun طالب (ṭālib) literally means 'seeker' or 'student,' and it appears in classical and modern Arabic as a term for a student, particularly one studying Islamic sciences. The name has been used throughout the Islamic world, often given to express a hope that the child will grow up to be a devoted learner.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tali
Sibling names for Talib
Names that share Talib's style, for a brother or sister.
