Declining since 1985, #1,808 for girls today.
Popularity of Tamara since 1917
Babies named Tamara per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 30 |
| 1930s | 292 |
| 1940s | 2,365 |
| 1950s | 13,091 |
| 1960s | 39,006 |
| 1970s | 37,076 |
| 1980s | 21,235 |
| 1990s | 10,695 |
| 2000s | 5,101 |
| 2010s | 1,721 |
| 2020s | 668 |
Meaning & origin
Tamara entered the U.S. naming records in 1917 and rose steadily through the mid-20th century. It reached its peak rank in 1974, a high point for many variant forms of Tamar. Since 1985, however, its usage has been in decline, reflecting a broader shift away from names that were popular in the 1970s. In 2025, Tamara ranked 1,808th, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 14,480 births. The name has shown particular regional strength in New Jersey, Florida, and Georgia, states that have historically had large communities with Eastern European Jewish heritage, where Tamara (as a form of Tamar) has long been familiar. The trajectory suggests it will continue to become less common, though its biblical roots and international presence give it enduring recognition.
Tamara is the Slavic, German, and Scandinavian form of the Hebrew name Tamar, meaning 'date palm' or 'palm tree.' In the Bible, Tamar was a daughter of King David and also the name of a woman in the Book of Genesis. The name became widespread in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Poland, and gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century.
Where Tamara is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Tamara” around the world
Where Tamara lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tam, Tammy, Tami, Toma
Sibling names for Tamara
Names that share Tamara's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Natalia, Sofia, Anastasia, Irina, Larisa, Shandra, Shonda, Tamala, Tambra, Tameka, Tamela, Tamera, Donielle, Jenise, Lasandra, Latara, Sharell, Tamatha, Tamica, Tamisha, Tammera, Tandra, Taunya, Dawana, Kamika, Lanessa, Lorilee, Sebrena, Shalene, Shelena, Siomara, Tacara, Tamaria, Tameria, Tamitha, Tanga, Tatia, Terena, Terina, Timara, Toccara, Camala, Kimra, Merinda, Shacara, Shahara, Shamara, Shamona, Sharena, Taletha, Tamaira, Tambria, Tamina, Tamla, Tamula, Taralee, Taralynn, Tashima, Taunia, Trannie, Trinia, Tunya, Sharmain, Taronda, Aronda, Mylisa, Sacoya, Shamarie, Shametra, Shemia, Shetara, Somara, Syrita, Taccara, Tamalyn, Tamantha, Tameia, Tamelia, Tameya, Tamilyn, Tammatha, Tamyka, Tanara, Tawyna, Tereka, Tishara, Trinda
Brothers: Dmitri, Nikolai, Andrei, Ivan, Mikhail, Jerrell, Jerel, Cordarius, Lamark, Shadrick, Tamarcus, Tarence, Tarrance, Tarrence, Tavoris, Tedrick, Terral, Terrick, Timothey, Tramel, Trumaine, Cleavon, Hakop, Quamaine, Shamell, Tamarius, Tarance, Tramayne, Tremel, Damonta, Ledarrius, Tavaras, Terrall
Names like Tamara
Names whose popularity has moved with Tamara's over the last 50 years.
