Tab

♂ Boy

Pronounced TAB /ˈtæb/High

Meaning: A short given name best known from mid-century film star Tab Hunter, a stage name chosen for its snappy, marquee-friendly sound. Its origin as a name is uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A snappy old name: Tab was made famous by actor Tab Hunter, said 'TAB.' Its origin is uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningA short given name best known from mid-century film star Tab Hunter, a stage name chosen for its snappy, marquee-friendly sound. Its origin as a name is uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2015)#13796 ↘ Falling

2015 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1957

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,110

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Tab is a brief, marquee-ready name lifted to fame by 1950s film star Tab Hunter, whose stage name was chosen for its punch. As a given name its origin is uncertain, which we note; it peaked in 1957 and faded after (said 'TAB').

Tab belonged to the 1950s screen era and has grown rare since. Rare, midcentury, and snappy.

Did you know? Tab is a short screen-era name that peaked around 1957 — carried into fashion by heartthrob actor Tab Hunter.

Overall data confidence 34%

References — Tab — Popularized by Tab Hunter; origin uncertain

Variations

TabbTabbyTaber

Nicknames

TabbyTabs

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Tab…

Rock— a like screen-era short name

Chad— a like snappy midcentury pick

Brett— a like one-beat name

Dirk— a like marquee-style name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Tab mean?

Tab is a short name popularized by actor Tab Hunter. Its origin is uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Tab?

It's said TAB /ˈtæb/ — one syllable.

Is Tab a boy or girl name?

Tab is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Tab?

Tab peaked in the late nineteen-fifties and is rare today.