Declining since 2019, #3,577 for girls today.
Popularity of Talitha since 1892
Babies named Talitha per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 17 |
| 1900s | 43 |
| 1910s | 86 |
| 1920s | 85 |
| 1930s | 57 |
| 1940s | 47 |
| 1950s | 95 |
| 1960s | 196 |
| 1970s | 578 |
| 1980s | 659 |
| 1990s | 427 |
| 2000s | 442 |
| 2010s | 480 |
| 2020s | 309 |
Meaning & origin
Talitha is a name of Aramaic origin that entered the English-speaking world through the New Testament. First recorded in the U.S. in 1892, it has never been common but enjoyed modest popularity in the 1970s, reaching its highest rank (peak year 1978). In 2025, it ranked 3,577th, with about 1 in 38,268 newborns receiving the name, a frequency that has been falling gradually since 2019. The name is most often given in California, reflecting a possible trend toward biblical and multicultural names. Its etymology ties directly to the phrase 'Talitha cumi' (meaning 'little girl, arise'), which gives the name a strong spiritual connotation without being overtly religious. Talitha's rarity and soft sound make it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable choice.
Talitha is an Aramaic word meaning 'little girl' or 'maiden', appearing in the New Testament (Mark 5:41) in the phrase 'Talitha cumi', which Jesus says to a young girl he raises from the dead. The name entered occasional use in English-speaking countries as a given name, often among Christian families who appreciated its biblical resonance. Its popularity peaked in the 1970s.
Where Talitha is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Talitha” around the world
Where Talitha lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tal, Thia, Lita
Sibling names for Talitha
Names that share Talitha's style, for a brother or sister.
