A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Tamsen since 1943
Babies named Tamsen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 19 |
| 1950s | 79 |
| 1960s | 93 |
| 1970s | 68 |
| 1980s | 113 |
| 1990s | 22 |
| 2000s | 10 |
| 2010s | 10 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Tamsen is a medieval English feminine variant of Thomas, meaning 'twin'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1943 and saw its peak popularity in 1979. While currently rare (less than 5 births per year), the name has been on a trajectory of slight increase since 2022, suggesting a potential revival. Tamsen's spelling distinguishes it from the more common Tamsin, and it carries a vintage, underused charm. Its top states historically include California and New York, though it remains scattered nationally.
Tamsen is a feminine form of Thomas, derived from the Aramaic name Toma meaning 'twin'. It is a medieval English variant of Thomasina, often diminutive or pet form of Thomas. Historically used in England and later in the United States, it saw modest popularity in the 1970s, with a peak in 1979, and has experienced a revival since 2022.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tam, Tams, Tammy
Sibling names for Tamsen
Names that share Tamsen's style, for a brother or sister.
