Tara
Tara is a girl's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
Elevated place, hill, or tower.
Origin and history
Tara is derived from the Irish place name Teamhair, traditionally associated with the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. It gained immense popularity in the United States during the mid-to-late 20th century, partly inspired by the fictional plantation in Gone with the Wind. Although its usage has declined since its peak, it remains a familiar classical name.
Popularity in the United States
175,812 babies in the United States have been named Tara since 1880. It ranks #229 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #989.
States where it is most popular
- NY (9.7 %)
- CA (7.7 %)
- PA (6.6 %)
- OH (5.1 %)
- NJ (4.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 7 |
| 1940-1950 | 392 |
| 1950-1960 | 3,175 |
| 1960-1970 | 14,543 |
| 1970-1980 | 65,072 |
| 1980-1990 | 56,338 |
| 1990-2000 | 23,370 |
| 2000-2010 | 8,572 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,911 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,432 |
Famous people named Tara
- Tara Reid: Actress
- Tara Lipinski: Figure Skater, Sports Commentator
- Tara Strong: Voice Actress
Fun facts
- The name references the Hill of Tara in County Meath, ancient ceremonial site of the High Kings of Ireland.
- In Sanskrit, Tara is a distinct name meaning star and represents a Hindu goddess and Buddhist deity.