Tamara

Girl Name
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/təˈmɑː.rə/

Tamara: 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".

The name Tamara carries a rich history rooted in Hebrew culture. Derived from "tâmâr > TAMAR", this feminine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Hebrew “tâmâr,” meaning “palm tree, date palm. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Hebrew-speaking communities.

Quick Facts About Tamara

Quick facts about Tamara
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

Macedonian / Russian / Serbian (Тамара)

How to Pronounce Tamara

Tamara is pronounced /təˈmɑː.rə/(Hebrew)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

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

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Tamara enjoys international appeal, used in 16 different linguistic and cultural contexts including english, ukrainian, russian, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

englishukrainianrussianlatvianspanishitaliancroatianserbianpolishczechdutchhungarian (magyar)macedoniansloveneslovakgerman
Name Relationships

Tamara is a variant form of Tamar, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tamara
What does the name Tamara mean?
Tamara 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 Tamara 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, Tamara's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Tamara?
Tamara 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, Tamara is written as Macedonian / Russian / Serbian (Тамара). From its hebrew roots, Tamara spread to become common in english, ukrainian, russian, latvian and other cultures. 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. Tamara developed as a form of Tamar, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Tamara a boy or girl name?
Tamara 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, Tamara 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 Tamara?
Tamara is pronounced "/təˈmɑː.rə/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Macedonian / Russian / Serbian (Тамара), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Tamara is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, ukrainian, russian, 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 Tamara can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root tâmâr > TAMAR influences how Tamara sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Tamara?
Tamara is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Tamara offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Tamara'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, Tamara holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Tamara?
Tamara is a form of Tamar. Over time, Tamar developed into several variations, with Tamara emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In hebrew tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve 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.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Tamara might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In english and ukrainian, Tamara may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Tamara commonly used?
Tamara spans multiple cultures, including english, ukrainian, russian, and 13 other traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Tamara found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Tamara, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. 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 Tamara into their naming traditions. A child named Tamara 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, Tamara is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.

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

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