Tau is a unique and uncommon given name of Hawaiian origin. It means "messenger" or "herald" in Hawaiian culture, signifying someone who delivers important messages or announcements. The name Tau also has historical significance in Hawaii, as it was the title given to the official messenger of the ancient Hawaiian ali'i (chiefly) class.
The letter 'T' is the seventh letter of the Hawaiian alphabet, and its name is "tau." Therefore, the name Tau is derived from this letter and represents the number seven in Hawaiian culture. In some cases, the name Tau may also have a connection to the astronomical symbol for the planet Venus, which is often represented by the Greek letter 'Tau' (τ).
While Tau is not a widely recognized given name outside of Hawaii, it has been used as a personal name by some individuals who wish to embrace their Hawaiian heritage or simply appreciate its unique meaning and sound. Despite its rarity, Tau carries a rich history and cultural significance that sets it apart from other names.
The name Tau has been consistently popular in the United States over several decades, with a total of 34 babies being born with this unique name since 1976. The years with the highest number of births were 1993 and 2018, each seeing 6 new additions to the population named Tau. While the popularity has fluctuated slightly over time, with some years showing a slight decrease in births (such as the 5 births recorded in both 1978 and 2017), there is an evident recurring interest in this name among parents across different generations.