Rooted in both Native American history, meaning “leaping water”, and Irish tradition as a “lady of abundance,” the name offers deep cultural resonance regardless of which origin story speaks to you. It is a choice for parents who want something recognizable but far from ordinary.
Verdict: Tallulah is a spectacular choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “L” sounds popular in top-charting names like Delilah and Isabella but retains a quirky independence that ensures your daughter will stand out. It is a name for a girl with personality, distinctiveness, and a touch of theatrical flair.
Tallulah Overview
- Meaning: Tallulah means “flowing or leaping water” or “bubbling spring” in Native American Choctaw. It also means “lady of abundance” in Irish.
- Gender: Tallulah is a girl’s name.
- Origin: Tallulah derives from Native American Choctaw and Muscogeen languages, as well as Irish.
- Pronunciation: Tallulah is pronounced “Teh-LOO-laa” in English.
- Popularity: In 2020, Tallulah ranked among the top 1,200 girls’ names in the U.S. Popularity has increased since 1995 and peaked in 2007. In England and Wales, Tallulah ranked 250th in recent years.
- Nicknames: La La, Lu, Lucy, Lulah, Lulla, Lulu, Luly, Tal, Tala, Talley, Tally, Tallulah, Tilly, Tula, Tully.
- Variations: Tallula, Talula, Tallulahh, Talulla, Tallulah.
- Namesakes: Tallulah Bankhead,American actress. Tallulah Willis, daughter of actors Demi Moore and Bruce Willis.
What Does Tallulah Mean?
Tallulah is a name with two distinct but equally beautiful etymologies, giving parents the best of both worlds.
In its Native American origins, specifically within the Choctaw and Creek (Muscogee) languages, Tallulah is most often translated as “leaping water” or “bubbling spring.” This definition paints a picture of vitality, movement, and life. It is a poetic descriptor often associated with the breathtaking Tallulah Falls in Georgia. Some linguists also trace it to the Creek word tvlvfv, meaning “town,” though the association with water is the prevailing cultural interpretation.
Alternatively, Tallulah has a rich history as an Irish name. It is an Anglicization of the Gaelic name Tuilelaith. This ancient moniker is a compound of the Gaelic words tuile (meaning “flood” or “abundance”) and flaith (meaning “princess,” “lady,” or “ruler”). Therefore, the Irish interpretation is often cited as “lady of abundance” or “princess of the flood.”
Where Does the Name Tallulah Come From?
The name’s history is a tale of two continents. In the United States, the name is deeply tied to the geography of the South. Tallulah Falls in Georgia, a Victorian-era resort town, popularized the name in the 19th century.
However, the name gained its glamorous, smoky-eyed reputation in the early 20th century thanks to Tallulah Bankhead, the Alabama-born stage and screen actress known for her husk voice and wit. She claimed her name came from her grandmother, who was named after the Georgia waterfalls.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the Irish origin dates back to the early medieval period. St. Tuilelaith was an Irish saint recorded in the 8th century, lending the name a spiritual weight long before it became a Hollywood staple.
How Popular is the Name Tallulah?
While widely recognized, Tallulah is technically a rare gem in the United States. It is a “familiar but unique” choice, meaning everyone knows the name, but few have it.
According to Social Security Administration data, Tallulah has generally flown under the radar, rarely cracking the top 1,000 list in the last century. It saw a spike in interest in the late 90s and peaked around 2007, influenced by celebrity usage (such as Demi Moore and Bruce Willis naming their daughter Tallulah).
In 2025, it remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for something bohemian and vintage that isn’t overused. It sits in the “sweet spot” of popularity: stylish enough to fit in, but rare enough to be the only one in the classroom.
How Do I Pronounce Tallulah?
The most common English pronunciation is tuh-LOO-lah. The stress falls firmly on the second syllable.
Because of the rhythmic “L” sounds, it rolls off the tongue easily. While some dialects might shorten the first vowel to “Tah-LOO-lah,” the emphasis remains the same.
Is Tallulah a Boy or Girl Name?
Tallulah is historically and traditionally a girl’s name. There is little to no record of it being used for boys. Its meanings (“lady of abundance,” “bubbling spring”) and its suffix “-ah” align it with feminine naming conventions in Western culture.
Variations of Tallulah
If you love the sound of Tallulah but want a different spelling or cultural flair, consider these variations:
- Tallula: A simplified spelling often used to reflect the Irish Saint Tuilelaith.
- Talulla: The traditional Anglicized Gaelic form.
- Talula: A modern, streamlined variation.
- Tuilelaith: The original Old Irish spelling (pronounced Tih-leh-lah).
Nicknames for Tallulah
One of the best reasons to choose this name is the wealth of adorable nicknames.
- Lulu: The most classic, spunky short form.
- Tally: A sweet, tomboyish option.
- Lucy: A clever twist on the “Lu” sound.
- Tulah: A bohemian, vintage nickname.
- Luella: A creative expansion of “Lu.”
- Lula-Bell: A Southern-inspired double barrel.
- Tuls: A rare, affectionate shorthand.
- Tilly: Sweet and traditional.
- La La: Playful and musical.
Names Similar to Tallulah
If Tallulah appeals to you, you likely enjoy names that are vintage, Southern, or nature-inspired. Here are similar cool names with that same spirited vibe:
- Delilah: Shares the rhythmic “lilah” ending but is more popular.
- Dakota: Another Native American place name with a rugged feel.
- Savannah: A Southern classic that evokes warm geography.
- Willow: Shares the nature connection and double “L” sound.
- Violet: A vintage floral name with similar spunk.
- Cora: Short, vintage, and gaining popularity.
- Hazel: An earthier alternative to the flowing Tallulah.
- Luna: Shares the “Lu” sound but with celestial meaning.
- Talia: A shorter, Hebrew option meaning “dew from God.”
- Aurora: A romantic name meaning “dawn” that matches Tallulah’s drama.
Middle Names for Tallulah
Because Tallulah is a long, three-syllable name, it pairs beautifully with short, grounded middle names.
Classic & Vintage Middle Names
These pairings lean into the “Southern Belle” aesthetic.
Nature-Inspired Middle Names
Enhance the “Leaping Water” meaning with these earthy choices.
Modern & Snappy Middle Names
Short, one-syllable names create a rhythmic balance.
Sibling Names for Tallulah
Tallulah requires sibling names that can match its energy and vintage charm.
For a Brother
Boys’ names that sound great with Tallulah often have a soft, gentlemanly vibe or a rugged American feel.
For a Sister
Sister names should be equally melodic and spirited.
Famous People Named Tallulah
The name Tallulah carries a legacy of performance and art.
- Tallulah Bankhead: The iconic American stage and screen actress of the early 20th century, famous for her husky voice and wit.
- Tallulah Willis: The youngest daughter of Hollywood stars Demi Moore and Bruce Willis.
- Talulah Riley: An English actress known for roles in Pride & Prejudice and Westworld.
- Tallulah Greive: A Scottish actress known for her role in Cinderella.
- Tallulah Harlech: An English model and stylist, daughter of Lady Amanda Harlech.
Tallulah in Pop Culture
- “Tallulah”: A hit song by the band Sonata Arctica.
- Tallulah: A main character in the movie Bugsy Malone, played by Jodie Foster.
- Tallulah: The titular character in the 2016 film starring Elliot Page.
- Tallulah: A character in the popular children’s book series Maisy.
FAQs About the Name Tallulah
Where Does the Name Tallulah Come From?
Tallulah is one of many spellings used for the Native American or Irish Talulla. It’s based on the Muscogeean Creek Tallulah, meaning “leaping water” in the Choctaw language and “town” in the Muskogean-Creek language. Georgia’s Tallulah Falls was pretty enough to inspire this name, as did actress Tallulah Bankhead.
How Rare Is the Name Tallulah?
Tallulah has been somewhat rare over the years, though it has slowly increased in popularity since the 1990s. Some sources list Tallulah as ranking 99th among girls in the U.S. in 2024, so it’s not going anywhere just yet. Tallulah also ranked 249th in England in 2021, so it’s also mildly popular there.
Is Tallulah an Irish Name?
In addition to being a spelling variation of the Native American Tallulah, it’s also considered Irish. Tallulah is thought of as a short version of the Irish Tuilelaith. The more extended variation is made up of the Gaelic “tuile,” meaning “flood,” and “flaith,’ meaning “sovereignty,” “nobility,” or “lordship.”
As an Irish female name, Tallulah usually means “princess of abundance.” The original Tuilelaith was the name of a few Irish saints from the 8th and 9th centuries.
Why Is the Name Tallulah Associated with Waterfalls?
The name is inextricably linked to Tallulah Falls, a series of six waterfalls in Georgia. In the Choctaw language, the word literally translates to “leaping water,” perfectly describing the cascading nature of the geography. This connection gives the name a sense of movement and natural beauty.
Is Tallulah Considered a Southern Name?
Yes, Tallulah is often regarded as a quintessential Southern name. This is largely due to its geographic ties to Georgia and its association with Alabama-born actress Tallulah Bankhead, who embodied the archetype of the eccentric Southern Belle. It pairs well with other Southern-style names like Savannah, Magnolia, and Clementine.
