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Tallulah

♀ Girl

Pronounced tah-LOO-lah /təˈluː.lə/High

Meaning: From Choctaw tallulah meaning leaping water or running water, associated with the Tallulah Falls in GeorgiaHigh

In 30 seconds: Tallulah is a vivid, musical name meaning leaping water from the Choctaw language. It has a wild, spirited charm and a vintage Hollywood glow thanks to actress Tallulah Bankhead.
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Origin HighNative American
MeaningFrom Choctaw tallulah meaning leaping water or running water, associated with the Tallulah Falls in Georgia
U.S. rank (2025)#940 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births276 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 4,095

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202319172025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Tallulah entered English through place names in the American South, most famously Tallulah Falls in Georgia and Tallulah, Louisiana. The Choctaw root tallulah evokes the rushing, leaping quality of moving water.

The name gained celebrity luster through actress Tallulah Bankhead (1902–1968), the Alabama-born star known for her razor wit and theatrical flair on Broadway and in Hollywood. It has seen a strong revival in the 21st century.

Did you know? Tallulah Falls in northeastern Georgia was named by the Cherokee people and carries a similar meaning of terrible or jumping. The place name was adopted into English through multiple Native American language traditions of the region.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name — Tallulah — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

TalulahTallulaTalula

Nicknames

TallyLulaTallie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Tallulah Bankhead (1902–1968)
    American actress celebrated for her flamboyant stage presence on Broadway and in Hollywood films such as Lifeboat (1944). She was known for her deep voice, wit, and unconventional lifestyle.

If you like Tallulah…

Savannah— shares the Southern American landscape name feel with a lyrical sound
Sequoia— same Native American origin with a nature-connected, flowing quality
Magnolia— same vintage-Southern charm and three-syllable musical rhythm
Dakota— shares the Native American place-name-as-personal-name tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Tallulah mean?

Tallulah comes from the Choctaw language and means leaping water or running water, evoking the energy of a rushing waterfall.

How do you pronounce Tallulah?

It is said tah-LOO-lah, with three syllables and stress on the second.

Is Tallulah a popular name?

Tallulah is uncommon but has been rising steadily, especially among parents drawn to vintage, nature-inspired, and bohemian names.

What famous people are named Tallulah?

The most famous is actress Tallulah Bankhead (1902-1968), the Alabama-born Broadway and Hollywood star known for her extraordinary wit.