Tallulah Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationtah-LOO-lah / tæˈluːləNative American; Irish
Meaning
Native American: leaping water; Irish: abundance
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Tallulah has its roots in the Native American language of the Muscogee (Creek) people, where it is believed to mean "leaping water" or "running water." The etymology reflects the natural landscape and the significance of water in many indigenous cultures. The name was introduced to a broader audience through various cultural exchanges and has been adopted into English, particularly in the 19th century, as interest in Native American culture grew among European settlers and their descendants.
Historically, Tallulah gained prominence in the early 20th century, particularly through the influence of Tallulah Bankhead, a prominent American actress known for her work in film and theater during the 1920s and 1930s. Her fame helped to popularize the name in the English-speaking world, linking it to a figure of charisma and talent. Additionally, the name has appeared in various literary works and artistic expressions, further embedding it in cultural consciousness.
Culturally, Tallulah carries connotations of vitality and connection to nature, resonating with themes of freedom and fluidity associated with water. The name's melodic quality and unique sound contribute to its enduring appeal in various artistic and literary contexts. While diminutive forms such as Tally may arise informally, Tallulah itself stands out as a distinctive name with a rich heritage, reflecting both its linguistic origins and its historical significance in American culture.
Trend Summary
Tallulah has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States over the past two decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Tally
- Lulu
International Variants
- Talula (English)
- Talulah (English)
Famous people named Tallulah
Tallulah Bankhead was an actress best known for Lifeboat, The Little Foxes, and A Royal Scandal.
Tallulah Willis is an actress and singer best known for Bandits, The Scarlet Letter, and The Whole Ten Yards.
Fictional characters named Tallulah
Tallulah is a fictional character from the musical and film Bugsy Malone. She is a talented singer and actress who captures the attention of the male characters with her charm and charisma.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Tallulah was first seen in the United States in 1917. Tallulah has ranked as high as #1040 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Georgia. In the past 5 years the name Tallulah has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Tallulah (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| PA | 20 | |
| FL | 19 | |
| GA | 19 | |
| CA | 17 | |
| TX | 16 | |
| NY | 15 | |
| NC | 14 | |
| OH | 13 | |
| TN | 12 | |
| MN | 11 | |
| WI | 11 | |
| MA | 10 | |
| MO | 9 | |
| IN | 9 | |
| VA | 8 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1917 | 6 |
| 1918 | 5 |
| 1921 | 6 |
| 1925 | 5 |
| 1931 | 10 |
| 1932 | 10 |
| 1933 | 8 |
| 1934 | 7 |
| 1937 | 7 |
| 1938 | 10 |
| 1939 | 9 |
| 1941 | 10 |
| 1942 | 8 |
| 1943 | 7 |
| 1946 | 5 |
| 1947 | 7 |
| 1949 | 6 |
| 1951 | 8 |
| 1952 | 5 |
| 1953 | 6 |
| 1955 | 6 |
| 1956 | 6 |
| 1979 | 6 |
| 1980 | 6 |
| 1981 | 7 |
| 1982 | 6 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1985 | 8 |
| 1986 | 5 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1995 | 5 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 11 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 1999 | 26 |
| 2000 | 28 |
| 2001 | 27 |
| 2002 | 35 |
| 2003 | 39 |
| 2004 | 53 |
| 2005 | 45 |
| 2006 | 81 |
| 2007 | 91 |
| 2008 | 97 |
| 2009 | 111 |
| 2010 | 122 |
| 2011 | 133 |
| 2012 | 128 |
| 2013 | 148 |
| 2014 | 140 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2016 | 155 |
| 2017 | 185 |
| 2018 | 181 |
| 2019 | 189 |
| 2020 | 213 |
| 2021 | 249 |
| 2022 | 262 |
| 2023 | 342 |
| 2024 | 339 |