Tamara is a feminine given name of Russian and Georgian origin. The name Tamara has been used prominently in both countries' cultures and history.
In Russia, Tamara is derived from the Turkic name Tamar, which was popular among the ruling classes during the medieval period. The most notable historical figure with this name is Tamar of Georgia (1184-1213), also known as Tamar the Great, who was a queen and a powerful ruler in the region now known as Georgia.
In Georgian culture, Tamara means "calm" or "tranquil." It is believed that the name was brought into use by Queen Tamar herself, who may have been named after her ancestor, King David IV of Georgia. Throughout history, many women in Georgian royal families have borne this name, including Queen Tamar II (1609-1648).
Today, Tamara remains a popular and traditional feminine given name in both Russia and Georgia, as well as among communities with Russian or Georgian heritage around the world. Despite its historical significance, it is not limited to any particular ethnic group or region. People of various backgrounds continue to choose this beautiful name for their daughters.
In Western cultures, Tamara may also be associated with Tamar, a woman mentioned in the Hebrew Bible who was both an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ according to Jewish and Christian traditions. However, this connection is likely due to its popularity among Russian-speaking communities rather than direct religious influence.
Overall, Tamara is a timeless name with a rich history and significant meaning across different cultures. Its enduring appeal lies in its elegance, simplicity, and the powerful legacy of its namesakes throughout history.
The name Tamara has had a variable popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1957 and 2002, there were a total of 417 babies named Tamara.
The name's popularity peaked in the late 60s to early 70s with a high of 23 births in 1974. This was followed by a steady decline throughout the remainder of the 70s and into the 80s, with as few as 5 births recorded in some years.
However, it's important to note that even during the periods of lower popularity, Tamara was still being chosen as a name for newborn girls. For instance, there were still around 6-13 births each year between 1978 and 1984.
This data demonstrates that while Tamara may not have been one of the most popular names in the United States during this time period, it was consistently present among baby girl names throughout these years. It's always fascinating to observe how naming trends change over time.