"star, goddess of stars"
Origin: Tagalog/Filipino
Language: Filipino
Tala
Does Tala flow with your last name?
The Filipino goddess of stars who also means gold in Arabic
Arabic
Filipino
Iranian/Persian
American
Unique
Elegant
Earthy
Spiritual
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"gold"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
"gold"
Origin: Persian
Language: Persian
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The Story of Tala
Tala has independent origins in multiple cultures. In Filipino (Tagalog), Tala is the goddess of stars — the brilliant morning and evening star, associated with Venus. In Arabic, Tala (طلى) means 'gold' or 'to coat with gold.' In Persian, it also means 'gold.' This rare multicultural convergence gives the name a luminous, precious quality across traditions.
Tala has been steadily rising in the United States and UK as parents discover names from non-European traditions. In the Philippines, Tala has been beloved for generations as a divine name. The Arabic gold meaning makes it appealing across the Middle East and North Africa. Its use was notably boosted by the 2016 Disney film Moana, which features a character invoking the star goddess Tala.
In Filipino mythology, Tala is the goddess of stars, daughter of the god Bathala. She represents guidance, beauty, and celestial light. In the film Moana, the spirit of Moana's grandmother — named Tala — transforms into a manta ray as her spirit guide, connecting the name to themes of wisdom and ancestral love.
Historical Record
Tala first appeared in US Social Security records in 1953.
Over 3,308 babies have been named Tala in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Tala is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,336 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- In Filipino mythology, Tala is the goddess of stars — a divine, luminous figure
- Tala means 'gold' in both Arabic and Persian, giving the name precious metal symbolism
- Grandmother Tala in the Disney film Moana guides the heroine on her quest, connecting the name to wisdom and ancestral love
Tala in Other Languages
Arabic
طلى (gold)
French
Tala
Persian
طلا (gold)
Spanish
Tala
Filipino
Tala (goddess of stars)
Popularity Over Time
#1,336
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Tala
T
Tala Ashe
Actor
1985
Iranian-American actress known for her role as Zari Tomaz/Tarazi on DC's Legends of Tomorrow
T
Tala (Moana) Fictional
Other
Moana's wise and loving grandmother in Disney's 2016 film Moana, who encourages her granddaughter to follow the ocean's ...
Moana's wise and loving grandmother in Disney's 2016 film Moana, who encourages her granddaughter to follow the ocean's call and transforms into a manta ray spirit
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,336
- Total SSA Count
- 171
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Filipino Iranian/Persian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Tali
Tals
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American 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 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Tala
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tala
What does the name Tala mean?
"star, goddess of stars" (from Tagalog/Filipino). "gold" (from Arabic). "gold" (from Persian). Tala has independent origins in multiple cultures. In Filipino (Tagalog), Tala is the goddess of stars — the brilliant morning and evening star, associated with Venus. In Arabic, Tala (طلى) means 'gold' or 'to coat with gold.' In Persian, it also means 'gold.' This rare multicultural convergence gives the name a luminous, precious quality across traditions.
What is the origin of the name Tala?
Tala has Tagalog/Filipino, Arabic, Persian, Filipino, Iranian/Persian, and American origins. In Tagalog/Filipino, it means "star, goddess of stars". In Arabic, it means "gold". In Persian, it means "gold".
Is Tala a boy or girl name?
Tala is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Tala?
Tala is currently ranked #1336 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Tala?
Common nicknames for Tala include Tali and Tals.
What are good middle names for Tala?
Popular middle name pairings include Tala Rose, Tala Jade, Tala Marie, Tala Luna, Tala Elise, Tala Dawn, and Tala Skye.
What are good sibling names for Tala?
Names that pair well with Tala as siblings include Luna, Selene, Zara, Nala, Sage, Mira, and Soren.
How many syllables does Tala have?
Tala has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Tala a common or rare name?
Tala is an uncommon name, ranked #1336 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Tala?
About the Name Tala
Tala is a girl name with Arabic, Filipino, Iranian/Persian, and American origins . The name means "star, goddess of stars" in Tagalog/Filipino .
Tala is currently ranked #1,336 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Tala has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Tala include Tali and Tals. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Tala include Talia, Tallulah, Taliyah, Taliah, Taleen . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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