Tatum

♂ Boy

Pronounced TAY-tum /ˈteɪ.təm/High

Meaning: Tate's homestead; from Old English tāt (Tate, a personal name) + hām (home, settlement)High

In 30 seconds: An Old English surname meaning 'Tate's homestead,' used for both boys and girls. Jazz pianist Art Tatum and actress Tatum O'Neal are the name's most storied bearers.

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Origin HighOld English

MeaningTate's homestead; from Old English tāt (Tate, a personal name) + hām (home, settlement)

Peak year2013

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,510

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Tatum is an English surname derived from the Old English personal name Tāta or Tāt (a form related to Tate) and hām ('homestead'), meaning 'Tate's homestead.' As a given name it has been used in the United States since the 20th century, associated with jazz pianist Art Tatum (1909–1956) and later actress Tatum O'Neal.

As a male name, Tatum has been less common than as a female name in recent decades, but it retains a classic surname feel. It is increasingly used for boys in the United States as part of the gender-neutral surname-name trend. Its connection to Art Tatum gives it a jazz-heritage prestige.

Did you know? Art Tatum (1909–1956), widely considered the greatest jazz pianist of all time, bore this surname — giving the name a jazz-age prestige that continues to resonate.

Variations

TaytumTatym

Nicknames

TateTay

Famous Bearers

★Art Tatum (1909–1956)
American jazz pianist, widely regarded as the greatest jazz pianist of all time.

If you like Tatum…

Sutton— Old English surname name used for both sexes

Peyton— similarly gender-neutral English surname first name

Hayes— one-syllable presidential surname name in the same category

Tate— shares the Tat- root and the surname-as-first-name quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Tatum mean?

Tatum is an Old English surname meaning 'Tate's homestead,' from the personal name Tate and hām (home).

How do you pronounce Tatum?

Tatum is pronounced TAY-tum (/ˈteɪ.təm/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Tatum a boy or girl name?

Tatum is used for both sexes. This entry is for the male usage; it is now also popular as a girl's name.

How popular is Tatum?

Tatum is more popular as a girl's name in the U.S. today but has been used for boys since the mid-20th century.