Tara
Tara: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtɑːɹə/ · /ˈtɛəɹə/
Meaning and origin of Tara
- A female given name transferred from the place name, of 20th century and later usage.
- A male given name.
- A female given name from Sanskrit.
- A transliteration of the Persian female given name تارا (târâ).
Etymology
Borrowed from Irish Teamhrach, genitive of Teamhair, from Old Irish Temair (literally “high place”). The female given name is derived from the name of the plantation in Gone with the Wind, named for the place in Ireland.
How popular is Tara?
Since 1880, 175,812 girls and 543 boys in the U.S. have been named Tara (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #35 in 1977. Its highest rank for boys was #1469 in 1972. In 2025 it ranked #847 for girls, with 322 babies given the name.
Names similar to Tara
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Sanskrit girl names
Sibling name ideas for Tara
Sister and brother names that share Tara's Sanskrit roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Tara FAQ
What does the name Tara mean?
A female given name transferred from the place name, of 20th century and later usage. A male given name. A female given name from Sanskrit. A transliteration of the Persian female given name تارا (târâ). Borrowed from Irish Teamhrach, genitive of Teamhair, from Old Irish Temair (literally “high place”). The female given name is derived from the name of the plantation in Gone with the Wind, named for the place in Ireland.
What is the origin of the name Tara?
Tara is listed as a name of Sanskrit origin.
How popular is the name Tara?
Since 1880, 175,812 girls and 543 boys in the U.S. have been named Tara (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #35 in 1977. Its highest rank for boys was #1469 in 1972. In 2025 it ranked #847 for girls, with 322 babies given the name.
Is Tara a boy or girl name?
Tara is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 175,812 girls and 543 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.