Tam Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Tam originates from Scottish roots, primarily as a diminutive of Thomas, meaning 'twin'. The language path shows its evolution from the Greek Thomas to its Scottish form. It is associated with cultural traits of Scottish heritage and folklore, especially due to literary references. There is no significant biblical relevance. Tam has historical significance due to its association with Robert Burns' poetry, contributing to its popularity. Variants include Tammy and Tamsin, and it is viewed positively in modern contexts.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Tam"
Pronunciation
/tæm/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Tam is often derived from the Scottish diminutive of Thomas, which means 'twin'. It can also be linked to the word 'tamm', referring to a type of woolen cloth.
Meaning
twin
Language Evolution
Thomas (Old Greek), Tam (Scottish)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in Scotland, particularly in the 18th century due to the famous poem 'Tam o' Shanter' by Robert Burns, which celebrated Scottish culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Tammy, Tamsin, Thomas
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Tam is perceived as a traditional yet charming name, often associated with Scottish heritage and folklore.
Famous People
Tam o' Shanter (fictional character), Tammy Wynette (singer), Tamara Ecclestone (model and television personality)
📊 Tam Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Tam Name Visualizations
✨ Tam Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 66 peak births in 1982
Geographic Spread
Popular across 5 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Tam"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Tam"
"Tam" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6773rd of 6773 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4512th of 7552 | 48 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4449th of 10718 | 86 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2121st of 16616 | 506 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5196th of 24088 | 247 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 9240th of 23106 | 87 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3072nd of 12526 | 276 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 6923rd of 19264 | 100 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 5576th of 27321 | 237 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8897th of 35406 | 189 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 11771st of 30306 | 90 |
Regional Popularity of "Tam" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
64.38% 2265th/3518 |
50.91% 2059th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
34.71% 1803rd/5194 |
21.47% 1356th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
42.66% 3184th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
71.13% 4464th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Tam" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
87.20% 1942nd/2227 |
- |
100.00% 2853rd/2853 |
88.07% 2444th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
94.04% 3803rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
40.40% 2552nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
73.66% 5497th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
94.39% 5924th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Tam"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Tam" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Tam" in the United States
The name Tam is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Tam has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Tam' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6773rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4512th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4449th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2121st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5196th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9240th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 9204th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3072nd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6923rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5576th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8897th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 11771st out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Tam' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.