"leaping water, rushing water"
Origin: Choctaw
Language: Choctaw
Tallula
Pronunciation: [ t-ahl-OOL-uh ]
Girl Name
#6,277 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
A Choctaw name meaning leaping water with bohemian charm
Native American
American
Irish
Vintage
Whimsical
Earthy
Playful
Bold
Meaning & Origin
"flood princess"
Origin: Old Irish Tuilelaith
Language: Irish
The Story of Tallula
Tallula is a variant spelling of Tallulah, derived from the Choctaw language word meaning 'leaping water' or 'rushing water.' The Choctaw people are a Native American nation originally from the southeastern United States. The Falls of Tallulah Gorge in Georgia, named by the Cherokee, made the word widely known. In Ireland, Tallulah is sometimes used as an anglicization of the Old Irish name Tuilelaith.
Tallulah saw a revival after actress Tallulah Bankhead made it famous in the 1920s-40s. It gained fresh momentum when Demi Moore and Bruce Willis named their daughter Tallulah Belle in 1994, inspiring a wave of parents to adopt this bohemian, artistic choice.
The name connects two rich cultural traditions: the Choctaw Native American nation, whose language gave us this evocative word for rushing water, and Ireland, where Tuilelaith was a medieval queenly name. It's beloved by artistic, free-spirited families.
Fun Facts
- Tallulah Gorge in Georgia is one of the deepest gorges in the eastern United States
- Actress Tallulah Bankhead (1902-1968) was one of the most flamboyant and celebrated actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood
- Demi Moore and Bruce Willis named their daughter Tallulah Belle in 1994, sparking a celebrity-name revival
Tallula in Other Languages
Irish
Tuilelaith (flood-princess)
Choctaw
Tallula (leaping water)
Cherokee
Tallulah (the terrible, for the gorge)
Popularity Over Time
#6,277
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Famous People Named Tallula
T
Tallulah Willis
Actor
1994
American actress and model, daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, helping to reinvigorate the name's popularity
T
Tallulah Bankhead
Actor
1902
Legendary American actress and socialite known for her wit, extravagance, and performances in Hitchcock's Lifeboat (1944...
Legendary American actress and socialite known for her wit, extravagance, and performances in Hitchcock's Lifeboat (1944)
T
Tallulah (Bugsy Malone) Fictional
Actor
Sassy, ambitious character in the 1976 musical film Bugsy Malone, played by Jodie Foster
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #6,277
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- Native American American Irish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Tally
Lula
Lu
Tallie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Native American)
Playground Safety
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tallula
What does the name Tallula mean?
"leaping water, rushing water" (from Choctaw). "flood princess" (from Old Irish Tuilelaith). Tallula is a variant spelling of Tallulah, derived from the Choctaw language word meaning 'leaping water' or 'rushing water.' The Choctaw people are a Native American nation originally from the southeastern United States. The Falls of Tallulah Gorge in Georgia, named by the Cherokee, made the word widely known. In Ireland, Tallulah is sometimes used as an anglicization of the Old Irish name Tuilelaith.
What is the origin of the name Tallula?
Tallula has Choctaw, Old Irish Tuilelaith, Native American, American, and Irish origins. In Choctaw, it means "leaping water, rushing water". In Old Irish Tuilelaith, it means "flood princess".
Is Tallula a boy or girl name?
Tallula is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Tallula?
Tallula is pronounced t-ahl-OOL-uh.
How popular is the name Tallula?
Tallula is currently ranked #6277 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Tallula?
Common nicknames for Tallula include Tally, Lula, Lu, and Tallie.
What are good middle names for Tallula?
Popular middle name pairings include Tallula Jane, Tallula Mae, Tallula Rose, Tallula Grace, Tallula Faye, and Tallula Belle.
What are good sibling names for Tallula?
Names that pair well with Tallula as siblings include Beau, Scout, Magnolia, Clementine, Wilder, Juniper, and Hazel.
How many syllables does Tallula have?
Tallula has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Tallula a common or rare name?
Tallula is an uncommon name, ranked #6277 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Tallula
Tallula is a girl name with Native American, American, and Irish origins . The name means "leaping water, rushing water" in Choctaw .
Tallula is currently ranked #6,277 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Tallula has 3 syllables and is pronounced t-ahl-OOL-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Tallula include Tally, Lula, Lu, and Tallie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Tallula include Tallulah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.