Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Tamar
GirlHebrew· “date palm”
- Meaning
- date palm
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- tuh-MAHR
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,455
- US babies 2025
- 73
- Best rank
- #1,015 (1977)
- Peak year
- 1977
Meaning and origin of Tamar
Tamar is a Hebrew name that means “date palm”.
Date palm is the meaning of the Hebrew Tamar, a tree valued for its fruit and shade in the ancient Near East. In the Hebrew Bible, several women bear the name, including Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah, and Tamar, the daughter of King David. The name also belongs to Queen Tamar of Georgia, a celebrated medieval ruler remembered for a golden age of Georgian culture. Tamar has an ancient, dignified feel and remains common in Israel and Georgia today. It is short, strong and rich in history.
Popularity over time
Tamar first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,015 in 1977, the same year it reached its highest count of 133 babies. In 2025, 73 babies were named Tamar, and it ranked #2,455 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,523 in 1950, #1,334 in 1980, #1,757 in 2000, #2,723 in 2010, and #2,455 in 2025. Of the 6,158 US girls named Tamar since records began, 18% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 1,003 babies. Since 2010, 1,227 more have been named Tamar.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Shawnta, Twanna, Temeka, Tarrah, and Tequila.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Tamar ranked highest in New Jersey, Maryland, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #418 | 19 |
| Maryland | #720 | 7 |
| New York | #897 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 88% of US babies named Tamar over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Tamar is usually pronounced tuh-MAHR, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with T and ends in “-ar”.
Middle names for Tamar
A few middle names that flow with Tamar: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Tamar
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Lists that include Tamar
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Tamar mean?
Tamar is a Hebrew name that means “date palm”.
What is the origin of the name Tamar?
Tamar has Hebrew roots. Date palm is the meaning of the Hebrew Tamar, a tree valued for its fruit and shade in the ancient Near East.
Is Tamar a popular name?
Not especially. Tamar ranked #2,455 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Tamar a boy or girl name?
Tamar is mainly a girl's name. About 88% of US babies named Tamar over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Tamar?
Tamar is usually pronounced tuh-MAHR. 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