Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Tara
GirlIrish, Sanskrit· “hill; also star”
- Meaning
- hill; also star
- Origin
- Irish, Sanskrit
- Pronunciation
- TAIR-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #847
- US babies 2025
- 322
- Best rank
- #35 (1977)
- Peak year
- 1972
Meaning and origin of Tara
Tara is an Irish and Sanskrit name that is usually said to mean “hill; also star”.
Tara has two separate origins. In Ireland it is the English form of Teamhair, the Hill of Tara in County Meath, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, whose name is often explained as "elevated place" or "hill." In Sanskrit, Tara means "star," and it is the name of a goddess revered in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Many Americans also know Tara as the name of the plantation in Gone with the Wind. The name is short, bright and easy to pronounce, and it has been used in English-speaking countries since the mid twentieth century.
Other spellings with the same sound: Terre.
Popularity over time
Tara first appears in US Social Security records in 1939. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 69 different years, starting in 1949. Its best national rank was #35 in 1977, and the most babies received it in 1972, when 7,234 were named Tara. In 2025, 322 babies were named Tara, and it ranked #847 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #884 in 1950, #43 in 1980, #239 in 2000, #775 in 2010, and #847 in 2025. Of the 175,812 US girls named Tara since records began, 37% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 56,338 babies. Since 2010, 4,343 more have been named Tara.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Tonya, Stacey, Dana, Melanie, and Stacy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Tara ranked highest in Washington, Massachusetts, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #311 | 24 |
| Massachusetts | #476 | 12 |
| California | #515 | 65 |
| Illinois | #540 | 19 |
| Maryland | #597 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Tara is usually pronounced TAIR-uh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with T and ends in “-ra”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Terre.
Middle names for Tara
A few middle names that flow with Tara: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Tara
Similar names
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Lists that include Tara
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Tara mean?
Tara is an Irish and Sanskrit name that is usually said to mean “hill; also star”.
What is the origin of the name Tara?
Tara has Irish and Sanskrit roots. Tara has two separate origins.
Is Tara a popular name?
Yes. Tara ranked #847 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Tara a boy or girl name?
Tara is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Tara?
Tara is usually pronounced TAIR-uh. 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