Tamar

Girl Name
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/ˈtæmɑr/

Tamar: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “tâmâr,” meaning “palm tree, date palm". It derives from the Hebrew word "tâmâr > TAMAR".

Tamar has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Hebrew roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Hebrew “tâmâr,” meaning “palm tree, date palm" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.

Quick Facts About Tamar

Quick facts about Tamar
OriginHebrew
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Hebrew “tâmâr,” meaning “palm tree, date palm.” The name was given to several women in the Old Testament. In the Book of Genesis, Tamar the daughter-in-law of Judah (twice), as well as the mother of two of his children: the twins Perez and Zerah. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judah and Tamar are ancestors of Jesus through their son Perez. In ancient Britain, Tamara was the goddess of rivers and streams. The Tamar is a river in South West England that forms most of the border between Devon (to the east) and Cornwall (to the west). The River Tamar derives its name from this spirit.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

tâmâr > TAMAR

Other Scripts

Hebrew (תָּמָר) Georgian (თამარ)

How to Pronounce Tamar

Tamar is pronounced /ˈtæmɑr/(Hebrew)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Tam-ar
  2. Say it like: "TAMAHR"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

This name has found popularity across georgian, and hebrew speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.

georgianhebrew
Frequently Asked Questions About Tamar
What does the name Tamar mean?
Tamar means "This name derives from the Hebrew “tâmâr,” meaning “palm tree, date palm.” The name was given to several women in the Old Testament. In the Book of Genesis, Tamar the daughter-in-law of Judah (twice), as well as the mother of two of his children: the twins Perez and Zerah. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judah and Tamar are ancestors of Jesus through their son Perez. In ancient Britain, Tamara was the goddess of rivers and streams. The Tamar is a river in South West England that forms most of the border between Devon (to the east) and Cornwall (to the west). The River Tamar derives its name from this spirit.". The name comes from tâmâr > TAMAR. In its original form, the name derives from tâmâr (תָּמָר). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Tamar for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “tâmâr,” meaning “palm tree, date palm.” The name was given to several women in the Old Testament. In the Book of Genesis, Tamar the daughter-in-law of Judah (twice), as well as the mother of two of his children: the twins Perez and Zerah. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judah and Tamar are ancestors of Jesus through their son Perez. In ancient Britain, Tamara was the goddess of rivers and streams. The Tamar is a river in South West England that forms most of the border between Devon (to the east) and Cornwall (to the west). The River Tamar derives its name from this spirit." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Tamar's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Tamar?
Tamar is a hebrew name. The name traces back to tâmâr > TAMAR. The original form tâmâr (תָּמָר) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Tamar is written as Hebrew (תָּמָר) Georgian (თამარ). From its hebrew roots, Tamar spread to become common in georgian, hebrew. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “tâmâr,” meaning “palm tree, date palm.” The name was given to several women in the Old Testament. In the Book of Genesis, Tamar the daughter-in-law of Judah (twice), as well as the mother of two of his children: the twins Perez and Zerah. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judah and Tamar are ancestors of Jesus through their son Perez. In ancient Britain, Tamara was the goddess of rivers and streams. The Tamar is a river in South West England that forms most of the border between Devon (to the east) and Cornwall (to the west). The River Tamar derives its name from this spirit." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Tamar a boy or girl name?
Tamar is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Tamar has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “tâmâr,” meaning “palm tree, date palm.” The name was given to several women in the Old Testament. In the Book of Genesis, Tamar the daughter-in-law of Judah (twice), as well as the mother of two of his children: the twins Perez and Zerah. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judah and Tamar are ancestors of Jesus through their son Perez. In ancient Britain, Tamara was the goddess of rivers and streams. The Tamar is a river in South West England that forms most of the border between Devon (to the east) and Cornwall (to the west). The River Tamar derives its name from this spirit." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Tamar?
Tamar is pronounced "/ˈtæmɑr/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Hebrew (תָּמָר) Georgian (თამარ), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Tamar is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in georgian, hebrew, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Tamar can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root tâmâr > TAMAR influences how Tamar sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Tamar?
Tamar is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Tamar offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Tamar's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “tâmâr,” meaning “palm tree, date palm.” The name was given to several women in the Old Testament. In the Book of Genesis, Tamar the daughter-in-law of Judah (twice), as well as the mother of two of his children: the twins Perez and Zerah. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judah and Tamar are ancestors of Jesus through their son Perez. In ancient Britain, Tamara was the goddess of rivers and streams. The Tamar is a river in South West England that forms most of the border between Devon (to the east) and Cornwall (to the west). The River Tamar derives its name from this spirit." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Tamar holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Tamar commonly used?
Tamar is common in georgian and hebrew naming traditions. The name originated in hebrew culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “tâmâr,” meaning “palm tree, date palm.” The name was given to several women in the Old Testament. In the Book of Genesis, Tamar the daughter-in-law of Judah (twice), as well as the mother of two of his children: the twins Perez and Zerah. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judah and Tamar are ancestors of Jesus through their son Perez. In ancient Britain, Tamara was the goddess of rivers and streams. The Tamar is a river in South West England that forms most of the border between Devon (to the east) and Cornwall (to the west). The River Tamar derives its name from this spirit." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Tamar into their naming traditions. A child named Tamar will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Tamar is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Tamar?
Tamar carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “tâmâr,” meaning “palm tree, date palm.” The name was given to several women in the Old Testament. In the Book of Genesis, Tamar the daughter-in-law of Judah (twice), as well as the mother of two of his children: the twins Perez and Zerah. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Judah and Tamar are ancestors of Jesus through their son Perez. In ancient Britain, Tamara was the goddess of rivers and streams. The Tamar is a river in South West England that forms most of the border between Devon (to the east) and Cornwall (to the west). The River Tamar derives its name from this spirit." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Tamar originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Tamar sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Tamar often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In georgian communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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