Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Tala
Girl· “uncertain; several unrelated sources”
- Meaning
- uncertain; several unrelated sources (origin disputed)
- Pronunciation
- TAH-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,217
- US babies 2025
- 187
- Best rank
- #1,217 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Tala
Tala is often said to mean “uncertain; several unrelated sources”; the origin is uncertain.
Several unrelated sources lead to the name Tala, so its meaning is uncertain. In Tagalog, tala refers to a bright star, and a star goddess named Tala appears in some Philippine lore. In Sanskrit, tala is a term for rhythm in Indian classical music. In the United States it is also often said to mean wolf in a Native American language, though that claim is hard to verify. Whatever its roots, Tala is short, melodic and easy to pronounce across languages, which gives it wide appeal for parents who like simple, global names.
Popularity over time
Tala first appears in US Social Security records in 1953. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #1,217, and its highest count, 187 babies. Use has grown 60% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #6,275 in 1980, #2,014 in 2000, #2,425 in 2010, and #1,217 in 2025. Of the 3,497 US girls named Tala since records began, 36% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 935 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Asiya, Rue, Sama, Yaneli, and Rya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Tala ranked highest in Connecticut, Michigan, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #619 | 5 |
| Michigan | #636 | 13 |
| Maryland | #645 | 8 |
| Illinois | #663 | 15 |
| California | #729 | 43 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Tala is usually pronounced TAH-luh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with T and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Tala
A few middle names that flow with Tala: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Tala
Similar names
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Lists that include Tala
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Tala mean?
Tala is often said to mean “uncertain; several unrelated sources”; the origin is uncertain.
Is Tala a popular name?
Not especially. Tala ranked #1,217 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Tala a boy or girl name?
Tala is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Tala?
Tala is usually pronounced TAH-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings