Rising since 2015, #6,325 for girls today.
Popularity of Tulsa since 1914
Babies named Tulsa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 23 |
| 2020s | 131 |
Meaning & origin
Tulsa is a rare and strongly place-inspired name, drawing from the Creek word for 'old town' and the city in Oklahoma. First recorded as a given name in 1914, it remained virtually unused for decades before a modest resurgence. As of 2025, it ranks 6,325th, with a one-in-89,293 incidence, and has been rising steadily since 2015. Its peak year so far was 2023, suggesting growing attention from parents seeking distinctive geographic names. Unlike major city names like Dallas or Austin, Tulsa has no top-state concentrations, remaining scattered across the U.S. Its appeal lies in its Native American heritage and the rhythmic, two-syllable sound, fitting alongside other place-names like Cheyenne or Aspen. The name's trajectory indicates a slow but consistent climb, potentially mirroring the trend of honoring lesser-known locales.
Tulsa originates from the Creek (Muscogee) word 'Tvlse', referring to a historic Creek settlement in present-day Alabama and Oklahoma. The name was adopted for the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and later came into occasional use as a given name, particularly for girls, inspired by the city's growing prominence in the 20th century. Its use as a personal name remains rare but distinctive, reflecting geographic and cultural roots.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tuls
Sibling names for Tulsa
Names that share Tulsa's style, for a brother or sister.
