"cheerful settlement"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Tatum
Pronunciation: [ t-AYT-uhm ]
Does Tatum flow with your last name?
An all-American surname with jazz soul and cinematic flair
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English
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Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Tatum
Tatum originates as an Old English place-name surname, meaning 'Tata's homestead' or settlement — where 'Tata' was a common personal name and 'tun' meant settlement or farm. Like many English place-surname combinations, Tatum transitioned into a given name in American culture. It has been used for both boys and girls, with notable usage patterns for each.
Tatum gained name recognition through actress Tatum O'Neal, who in 1974 became the youngest competitive Academy Award winner at age 10 for Paper Moon. The name has since been used across genders, with increasing female usage in the 2010s. Jazz legend Art Tatum kept the name in cultural memory for music lovers.
Art Tatum (1909-1956) was considered by many musicians to be the greatest jazz pianist who ever lived — his technical virtuosity was superhuman. He was legally blind, which made his playing even more extraordinary. The name carries both artistic and athletic prestige in American culture.
Historical Record
Tatum first appeared in US Social Security records in 1973.
Over 11,476 babies have been named Tatum in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Tatum is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #195 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Tatum O'Neal remains the youngest competitive Academy Award winner in history, winning Best Supporting Actress at age 10
- Art Tatum's piano technique was so advanced that fellow musicians often refused to believe he was blind
- Channing Tatum (born 1980) brought the name fresh cultural visibility in the 2010s
Tatum in Other Languages
French
Tatum
German
Tatum
Spanish
Tatum
Popularity Over Time
#195
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Tatum
C
Channing Tatum
Actor
1980
American actor and producer known for Magic Mike, 21 Jump Street, and The Vow
T
Tatum O'Neal
Actor
1963
American actress who won Best Supporting Actress Oscar at age 10 for Paper Moon (1974) — the youngest competitive Oscar ...
American actress who won Best Supporting Actress Oscar at age 10 for Paper Moon (1974) — the youngest competitive Oscar winner ever
A
Art Tatum
Musician
1909
American jazz pianist widely considered the greatest technical virtuoso in jazz history; legally blind from birth
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #195
- Total SSA Count
- 1,833
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Tate
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Tatum
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Tatum is also used as a girl name, ranked #205.
View Tatum as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tatum
What does the name Tatum mean?
"cheerful settlement" (from Old English). Tatum originates as an Old English place-name surname, meaning 'Tata's homestead' or settlement — where 'Tata' was a common personal name and 'tun' meant settlement or farm. Like many English place-surname combinations, Tatum transitioned into a given name in American culture. It has been used for both boys and girls, with notable usage patterns for each.
What is the origin of the name Tatum?
Tatum has Old English, American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "cheerful settlement".
Is Tatum a boy or girl name?
Tatum is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #195. As a girl name, it is ranked #205. Tatum is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Tatum?
Tatum is pronounced t-AYT-uhm.
How popular is the name Tatum?
Tatum is currently ranked #195 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Tatum?
Common nicknames for Tatum include Tate.
What are good middle names for Tatum?
Popular middle name pairings include Tatum James, Tatum Michael, Tatum Alexander, Tatum Lee, Tatum Blake, and Tatum River.
What are good sibling names for Tatum?
Names that pair well with Tatum as siblings include Hudson, Easton, Colton, Avery, Piper, and Emerson.
How many syllables does Tatum have?
Tatum has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Tatum a common or rare name?
Tatum is a popular name, ranked #195 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Tatum
Tatum is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "cheerful settlement" in Old English .
Is Tatum a boy or girl name? Tatum is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #195 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #205. Tatum is more commonly used as a boy name.
Tatum is currently ranked #195 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Tatum has 2 syllables and is pronounced t-AYT-uhm, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Tatum include Tate. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis