A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Tami since 1942
Babies named Tami per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 152 |
| 1950s | 5,900 |
| 1960s | 18,442 |
| 1970s | 9,678 |
| 1980s | 2,961 |
| 1990s | 522 |
| 2000s | 169 |
| 2010s | 66 |
| 2020s | 37 |
Meaning & origin
Tami is a diminutive of Tamara, typically used as a given name in its own right. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1942 and peaked in popularity in 1959, reflecting a broader mid-century trend for short, friendly names. After declining for decades, Tami has shown a modest resurgence since 2020, ranking at 8,362 in 2025 with about 1 in 133,939 babies receiving the name. While not tied to any single state or region, Tami exemplifies the era's affinity for names ending in the 'ee' sound. Its Hebrew origins connect it to the enduring name Tamara, which enjoyed consistent use across the 20th century.
Tami originated as a diminutive of Tamara, which itself derives from the Hebrew word 'tamar' meaning 'date palm' or 'spice'. The name Tamara has been used in Eastern Europe and the West since the 19th century, and its short form Tami gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Tami 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tam
Sibling names for Tami
Names that share Tami's style, for a brother or sister.
