Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Tamra since 1937
Babies named Tamra per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 15 |
| 1940s | 331 |
| 1950s | 2,104 |
| 1960s | 4,739 |
| 1970s | 3,080 |
| 1980s | 2,025 |
| 1990s | 948 |
| 2000s | 373 |
| 2010s | 95 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Tamra is a rare modern feminine name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1937. Its peak year was 1959, during the height of similar-sounding names like Tammy and Sandra, though it never reached the top 1000 nationally. The name has been in decline since 1985, and by 2025 its usage is so low that it does not appear in SSA rankings. Tamra is essentially a mid-20th century invention, with no deep etymological roots or ties to a specific cultural tradition. Its appeal likely stemmed from its familiar sound pattern and the popularity of the nickname Tammy, which saw a boom in the 1950s and 1960s. As a name with no top state concentration or celebrity associations, Tamra remains an obscure but distinctive choice for parents seeking a name from that era.
Tamra first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1937 and saw peak use in 1959. It is likely a modern coinage, possibly formed by blending the name Tammy with the ending -ra (influenced by names like Sandra or Tamara), or as a feminine variant of Tam, itself a short form of Thomas. The name carries no established meaning outside of its sound structure.
Where Tamra 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.
Sibling names for Tamra
Names that share Tamra's style, for a brother or sister.
