Tabitha

Means gazelle; evokes grace, kindness, and compassion.

Tabitha - Meaning, Origins, Popularity & Related Names

TABITHA is a biblical name meaning “gazelle,” symbolizing grace, gentleness, and compassionate care. This page explores the name’s meaning and background along with how it’s used today, including gender associations, popularity over time, and related names.

Gender Female
Origin Hebrew, Aramaic
Meaning Gazelle, grace
Popularity Moderate

Meaning of Tabitha

The name Tabitha carries the meaning of 'gazelle' or 'small deer,' reflecting grace and beauty. It signifies a person of elegance and delicacy, inspired by the swift and gentle nature of a gazelle. A biblical name, Tabitha embodies compassion and kindness, often associated with individuals who are nurturing and kind-hearted.

Pronunciation of Tabitha in Hebrew

təˈbɪθə - טביתא

For English speakers, pronounce as 'tuh-BITH-uh' with a soft 'th' as in 'the.'

Origin of Tabitha

Tabitha originates from the Hebrew language and has historical roots in biblical texts. It is derived from the Aramaic word ‘ṭḇīθā’ meaning 'gazelle.' The name is mentioned in the New Testament, symbolizing resurrection and life. Over time, it has become popular across Hebrew speaking regions, but its biblical references resonate worldwide.

Gender Usage of Tabitha

Tabitha is predominantly a female name, commonly used in Western countries. It evokes femininity and grace, with historic usage among women characters in religious texts. While rare, it may be used as a unisex name in certain cultures. Renowned individuals include Tabitha Soren, an American TV journalist, showcasing its prominence in female figures.

Popularity of Tabitha

The name Tabitha has experienced fluctuating popularity, often ranking within the top 1000 baby names in the United States. It gained prominence in the late 20th century, influenced by media and literature. Although its popularity has waned slightly in recent years, Tabitha continues to be favored in regions like the United Kingdom and Australia.

Global Usage of Tabitha

In various cultures, the name Tabitha carries traditional charm. While predominantly used in English-speaking countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, it also appears in biblical context across Christian nations. The name's association with grace and beauty transcends cultural barriers, resonating with diverse global audiences.

Global Distribution & Gender Ratio

Usage and gender distribution of the name Tabitha across different countries, based on data from GenderAPI.

United States 84.21%
♀ Female: 99.64% ♂ Male: 0.36%
Indonesia 4.79%
♀ Female: 100% ♂ Male: 0%
Canada 1.42%
♀ Female: 100% ♂ Male: 0%
United Kingdom 1.12%
♀ Female: 100% ♂ Male: 0%
Malaysia 0.97%
♀ Female: 100% ♂ Male: 0%

Gender and popularity data by country is sourced from Gender API.

Similar Names Related with the Name Tabitha

  1. J

    Jemima

    A name of Biblical origin, Jemima shares the biblical heritage and means ‘dove,’ representing peace and tranquility.

  2. S

    Seraphina

    Seraphina, meaning ‘fiery,’ stands out for its beautiful and strong imagery, akin to the gentle elegance of Tabitha.

Characteristics of Tabitha

Graceful

Individuals named Tabitha often exhibit elegance and a poised demeanor.

Kind-hearted

Tabithas are known for their compassionate nature and empathy towards others.

Nurturing

They frequently take on caring roles, offering support and love.

Creative

Many with this name have a flair for artistic expression.

Resilient

Tabithas are resilient, capable of overcoming obstacles with dignity.

Career Paths for Tabitha

Arts and Entertainment

Many Tabithas thrive in fields like music, acting, and visual arts.

Education

They often excel as teachers or educators, sharing knowledge and nurturing young minds.

Healthcare

With their caring nature, Tabithas are drawn to careers in nursing or therapy.

Non-profit Sector

They find fulfillment in roles that allow them to help and support communities.

Communications

Tabithas are effective communicators, making them suitable for journalism and public relations.

Unique Aspects of Tabitha

  1. Pop Culture Reference

    The name Tabitha was popularized by the TV show 'Bewitched' in the 1960s.

  2. Literary Presence

    Tabitha appears in various literary works, symbolizing grace and kindness.

  3. Biblical Association

    Known for a biblical story of resurrection, symbolizing life and hope.

  4. Historical Significance

    Ancient use in Aramaic and Hebrew cultures provides historical depth.

  5. Notable Personalities

    Tabitha Babbitt, an inventor, is a testament to the name's legacy.

Famous Individuals Named Tabitha

  • Tabitha Soren: American television journalist.
  • Tabitha King: Author and wife of novelist Stephen King.
  • Tabitha Babbitt: Inventor, known for her contribution to the circular saw.
  • Tabitha Stevens: Retired American actress.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Name Tabitha

Answers to the most common questions people ask about the name Tabitha.

What is the meaning of the name Tabitha?

Tabitha means 'gazelle' or 'small deer,' symbolizing grace and beauty.

What is the origin of the name Tabitha?

The name Tabitha originates from Hebrew and has biblical references.

Is Tabitha a female name?

Yes, Tabitha is primarily a female name, used mainly in English-speaking countries.

How popular is the name Tabitha?

The name Tabitha ranks within the top 1000 baby names in the United States.

How is the name Tabitha used globally?

Tabitha is widely used in English-speaking countries and has biblical significance.

What careers do people named Tabitha often pursue?

Tabithas often excel in arts, education, healthcare, non-profits, and communications.

What are some similar names to Tabitha?

Similar names include Talitha, Jemima, Deborah, and Rachel, all sharing a biblical heritage.

How is Tabitha pronounced in Hebrew?

In Hebrew, Tabitha is pronounced as 'טביתא' with the IPA spelling of 'təˈbɪθə'.

Who are some famous people named Tabitha?

Famous Tabithas include Tabitha Soren, a TV journalist, and Tabitha King, an author.