Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Tara originates from the Sanskrit word meaning 'star', reflecting a celestial significance. The name has evolved from its ancient roots in Sanskrit and Pali to become popular in modern English. It is associated with strong and positive traits, while also having no direct biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈtɑːrə/
Origin
Sanskrit
Etymology
The name Tara comes from the Sanskrit word 'तारा' which means 'star'. In Hindu mythology, Tara is also the name of a goddess associated with the stars.
Meaning
star
Language Evolution
Sanskrit: तारा (Tārā), Pali: तारा (Tārā), Modern English: Tara
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, particularly influenced by its use in literature and film.
Variants & Derivatives
Tarragh, Tarae, Taree
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Tara is perceived as a modern and elegant name, often associated with strength and beauty.
Famous People
Tara Reid - American actress, Tara Lipinski - American figure skater and Olympic champion, Tara Strong - Canadian voice actress
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 7,268 peak births in 1972
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Jersey
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (5 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 5 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6135th of 7552 | 15 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2156th of 10718 | 304 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3776th of 16616 | 219 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3368th of 9204 | 134 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 433rd of 12526 | 8,530 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 67th of 19264 | 80,809 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 73rd of 27321 | 68,629 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 349th of 35406 | 14,364 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1047th of 30306 | 3,024 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
60.98% 1791st/2937 |
53.89% 1877th/3483 |
- |
57.34% 2319th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
55.60% 2888th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
90.55% 1409th/1556 |
- |
100.00% 1547th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
19.08% 425th/2227 |
14.16% 344th/2430 |
16.79% 479th/2853 |
15.64% 434th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
2.55% 75th/2937 |
1.35% 47th/3483 |
1.96% 69th/3518 |
2.10% 85th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
1.87% 69th/3685 |
1.45% 65th/4475 |
1.50% 78th/5194 |
1.46% 92nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
7.35% 337th/4582 |
5.00% 258th/5164 |
5.06% 370th/7313 |
5.95% 444th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
28.01% 1116th/3984 |
17.61% 790th/4487 |
18.24% 1244th/6822 |
13.89% 872nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Jersey across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6135th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2156th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3776th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3368th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 433rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 67th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 73rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 349th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1047th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.