Tatum is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It was initially used as a surname, derived from the Middle English word 'tate', which referred to a homestead or farmstead. The name gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, with actress Tatum O'Neal contributing to its rise in usage.
There is no specific meaning attributed to the name Tatum when used as a given name. However, as mentioned earlier, it has associations with rural living and land ownership due to its historical origins. Some people might interpret the name as symbolizing stability, groundedness, or connection to nature.
Tatum was first recorded as a male name in England during the 13th century. Over time, it evolved into a surname that could be found among various families throughout Britain and Ireland. In the United States, Tatum began appearing more frequently as a given name around the mid-20th century. Today, it is still relatively uncommon but has gained some popularity since the late 1970s.
While there isn't much historical data on individuals named Tatum, one notable figure who popularized this name is actress Tatum O'Neal. Born in 1963, she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at just ten years old for her role in "Paper Moon." Her success likely contributed to the increased use of the name Tatum among American parents during the following decades.
In recent years, another celebrity named Tatum – actor Ryan Reynolds' wife Blake Lively – has also brought attention to this unique moniker. Despite not being born with the name herself (she was born Blake Ellender Brown), her association with it may further boost its popularity in coming years.
Overall, Tatum is an uncommon yet captivating given name with roots tracing back to medieval England. Its meaning remains open-ended but carries associations related to land ownership and rural living. With some famous figures sharing this distinctive name, parents looking for something original and memorable might find Tatum appealing as a choice for their child.
The name Tatum has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to the statistics provided, there were only 9 births with the name Tatum in 1973, but by 2023, that number had grown to an astounding 1492 births.
The trend of increasing popularity can be observed starting from the late 1990s. In 1996, there were 27 births with the name Tatum, and this number more than doubled by the end of the decade, reaching 43 births in 1999 and 44 births in 2000. This upward trend continued into the new millennium, with the number of annual births with the name Tatum exceeding 100 for the first time in 2005, at which point there were 108 such births.
The popularity of the name Tatum has shown no signs of abating since then. In fact, it has continued to grow significantly, reaching a peak of 1492 births in 2023. This represents an incredible increase from its humble beginnings in the early 1970s and demonstrates how tastes and trends can change over time.
By examining these statistics, we can observe not only the fluctuations in popularity but also the long-term trajectory of the name Tatum in the United States. It is clear that this once relatively uncommon name has become much more popular in recent years, with thousands of babies being named Tatum each year. This information may be useful for those interested in trends related to baby names or for parents looking for a unique yet popular name for their child.