Holding steady.
Popularity of Tola since 1899
Babies named Tola per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2010, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Tola's real moment was 1899.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1890s | 6 | 0 |
| 1900s | 5 | 0 |
| 1910s | 30 | 0 |
| 1920s | 15 | 0 |
| 1930s | 11 | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 6 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 6 | 0 |
| 2010s | 26 | 0 |
| 2020s | 5 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Tola is a concise, multicultural name with roots in both Yoruba and Hebrew traditions, though its U.S. usage has been extremely limited. First recorded in the United States in 1899, the name has never cracked the top 1000, and its peak year was 1899 itself, indicating only sporadic use in the early 20th century. The Social Security Administration data shows no recent ranks, with a stable trajectory that suggests the name has remained a rare choice. Despite its scarcity, Tola carries distinct meanings: as a Yoruba short form meaning 'wealth' or 'honor', it connects to a rich cultural heritage, while the biblical Hebrew form offers a lesser-known but ancient lineage. The name's low profile in the U.S. makes it a distinctive option for parents seeking a short, cross-cultural name with substance.
Tola has two primary origins. In Yoruba (Nigeria), it is a short form of names like Tolulope, meaning 'God's wealth' or 'God is worthy to be praised'. In Hebrew, Tola appears in the Bible as the name of a judge of Israel, derived from a root meaning 'worm' or 'crimson', but the name's modern usage is rare. In Poland, Tola is a diminutive of Antonina.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tolly
Sibling names for Tola
Names that share Tola's style, for a brother or sister.
