"gazelle"
Tabitha
Pronunciation: [ t-AB-ihth-uh ]
A storybook name with a miracle at its heart
Meaning & Origin
"graceful, beautiful"
Things to Know About This Name
- Tabby is also a common term for a striped cat, which some find amusing rather than problematic
The Story of Tabitha
Tabitha comes from the Aramaic name meaning 'gazelle' — a symbol of grace and beauty in ancient Near Eastern culture. In the New Testament (Acts 9:36-42), Tabitha was a charitable woman in Joppa renowned for making clothing for the poor, who was brought back to life by the Apostle Peter — one of the few resurrections performed by an apostle. Her Greek name was Dorcas, both meaning gazelle.
Tabitha enjoyed its greatest American popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s following the TV sitcom 'Bewitched' (1964-1972), where Samantha the witch's daughter was named Tabitha. The name has seen a charming vintage revival as parents rediscover its storybook quality.
In Christian tradition, Tabitha/Dorcas is venerated as a saint in multiple denominations for her charitable works and miraculous resurrection. Her story made the name a symbol of generosity and grace, particularly appealing to devout families for centuries.
Fun Facts
- Tabitha appears in Acts 9:36-42 as one of only two people explicitly raised from the dead by an apostle in the New Testament
- The name Tabitha was in the American top 200 from 1969-1973, coinciding exactly with the peak years of the TV show Bewitched
Tabitha in Other Languages
Famous People Named Tabitha
Tabitha King
Writer
1949
American novelist and philanthropist, wife of Stephen King and accomplished author in her own right
Tabitha
Other
Biblical woman of Joppa raised from the dead by the Apostle Peter (Acts 9:36-42), celebrated as a saint for her generosi...
Biblical woman of Joppa raised from the dead by the Apostle Peter (Acts 9:36-42), celebrated as a saint for her generosity and charity
Tabitha Stephens Fictional
Other
The daughter of witch Samantha in the TV sitcom Bewitched (1966-1972), who inherited her mother's magical powers and bec...
The daughter of witch Samantha in the TV sitcom Bewitched (1966-1972), who inherited her mother's magical powers and became a beloved character
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,517
- Total SSA Count
- 142
- Cultural Origins
- Christian English American Jewish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Tabitha is also used as a boy name, ranked #28608.
View Tabitha as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Tabitha and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Tabitha sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Tabitha
What does the name Tabitha mean?
What is the origin of the name Tabitha?
Is Tabitha a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Tabitha?
How popular is the name Tabitha?
What are common nicknames for Tabitha?
What are good middle names for Tabitha?
What are good sibling names for Tabitha?
How many syllables does Tabitha have?
Is Tabitha a common or rare name?
About the Name Tabitha
Tabitha is a girl name with Christian, English, American, and Jewish origins . The name means "gazelle" in Aramaic .
Is Tabitha a boy or girl name? Tabitha is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,517 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #28,608. Tabitha is more commonly used as a girl name.
Tabitha is currently ranked #1,517 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Tabitha has 3 syllables and is pronounced t-AB-ihth-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Tabitha include Tabby, Tab, and Tibby. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.