Declining since 1985, #3,645 for girls today.
Popularity of Tammy since 1934
Babies named Tammy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 31 |
| 1940s | 490 |
| 1950s | 29,176 |
| 1960s | 182,231 |
| 1970s | 98,830 |
| 1980s | 15,645 |
| 1990s | 3,311 |
| 2000s | 1,561 |
| 2010s | 545 |
| 2020s | 195 |
Meaning & origin
Tammy entered the U.S. baby name scene in 1934, but its true heyday began in the 1960s. The name peaked at rank 1 in 1968, when it was one of the most popular choices for baby girls. Since 1985, its trajectory has been steadily falling, reflecting a broader shift away from mid-century diminutive names. In its peak decade, the 1960s, Tammy was a staple in New Jersey and California, the top two states for the name. Today, with a rank of 3,645 in 2025 and a rare 1-in-39,202 occurrence, Tammy is no longer common but retains a distinctly vintage charm. Its decline over the past several decades mirrors the fading popularity of similar names like Kim and Sherry that once dominated the charts.
Tammy originated as a diminutive of Tamara, which is the English form of the Hebrew name Tamar (תָּמָר), meaning 'date palm' or 'date fruit'. The name gained independent popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly after the 1957 film 'Tammy and the Bachelor' starring Debbie Reynolds. It peaked in popularity in the 1960s and has since declined.
Where Tammy 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 Tammy
Names that share Tammy's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kimberly, Debbie, Cindy, Lori, Pamela, Candy, Jodi, Kristy, Misty, Rhonda, Sheri, Tonya, Bobbijo, Candyce, Darla, Kandis, Lyndi, Mandy, Milissa, Shanda, Tamra, Tisha, Tonja, Traci, Cyndi, Davie, Debbi, Jolynn, Lavonda, Mistie, Perri, Sharee, Shawnda, Sherell, Sherilyn, Tangela, Wende, Denay, Denean, Kammi, Krissie, Kristee, Lezlee, Marcey, Sharrie, Sherrilyn, Shiree, Shronda, Tammye, Tawna, Tawnia, Tondra, Tonyia, Cherylynn, Chonda, Chrisy, Jennilyn, Jil, Kellyjo, Khristy, Ladeana, Robbyn, Sharonne, Sherlynn, Tanny, Trica, Kimarie, Tambi, Brandalynn, Chaunda, Dawnya, Derhonda, Jodiann, Lacheryl, Myndi, Sharalee, Sheralee, Sholanda, Tamee, Tarrie, Terilynn, Waynetta
Brothers: Jimmy, Tommy, Bobby, Danny, Johnny, Darrin, Darrick, Dewayne, Laron, Lynell, Terrill, Demont, Joedy, Ladell, Dwon, Kimothy, Sirron
Names like Tammy
Names whose popularity has moved with Tammy's over the last 50 years.
