Tara
Tara is a girl name of Irish origin meaning “Hill, elevated place”, pronounced TAIR-uh. It ranked #847 in the United States in 2025, given to 322 babies, and peaked at #35 in 1977. Common nicknames: Tar, TarBear.
How popular is Tara in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Tara mean, and where does it come from?
Tara is an Irish name derived from the word "teamhair," meaning "hill" or "elevated place." The Hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland, was the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland and a site of enormous cultural and spiritual significance in Irish history. The name also holds importance in Hinduism and Buddhism — Tara is a goddess of compassion in both traditions, and the word means "star" in Sanskrit. In the United States, the name gained popularity through Margaret Mitchell's novel "Gone with the Wind" (1936), in which Tara is the name of the O'Hara family plantation.
How is Tara used around the world?
Tara is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Tara?
Famous People Named Tara
- Tara Lipinski — American figure skater and Olympic gold medalist
- Tara Reid — American actress
- Tara Strong — Canadian-American voice actress
Similar Names to Tara
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Sibling Name Ideas for Tara
Looking for names that pair well with Tara? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Tara mean?
Tara is a girl name of Irish origin meaning "Hill, elevated place." Tara is an Irish name derived from the word "teamhair," meaning "hill" or "elevated place." The Hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland, was the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland and a site of enormous cultural and spiritual significance in Irish history.
How do you pronounce Tara?
Tara is pronounced TAIR-uh. Common variations include Tarah, Tarra, Tera.
Is Tara a girl name?
Yes, Tara is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Tar, TarBear.