Tallulah

female

Origin

The name Tallulah originates from the Native American language Muscogee (or Creek). It is derived from the Muscogee words 'Tallahassee', meaning 'leaping water' or 'rocking water'. The name was adopted into English in the early 20th century, often associated with the American city Tallahassee, and later gained popularity internationally. In Australian contexts, the name entered popular usage likely through cultural exchange and the influence of Hollywood and musical works.

Meaning

In Australian English contexts, Tallulah is often interpreted as 'leaping water' or 'beautiful rushing waters'. It evokes imagery of streams and waterfalls, aligning with Australia's appreciation for nature and water features, making it appealing as a name that symbolises vitality and natural beauty.

Pronunciation

/tæˈluːlɑː/ (Australian English) the stress falls on the second syllable, with a soft 't' and long 'u' sound in the second syllable, ending with an open 'a'.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Tali (diminutive)
  • Tallie (short form)
  • Tula

Nicknames

  • Tali
  • Tallie

Name Days

  • 14 February (Valentine's Day, as a romantic or love-themed name)
  • None specific in Australian calendars, but adopted from international traditions.
  • Māori celebration of Waitangi Day (6 February), where traditional place and water names are celebrated, connecting to water-related meanings.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with tallulah:

  • Ella and Tallulah
  • Mia and Tallulah
  • Samantha and Tallulah

Fun Facts

  • Tallulah is a popular character name in Australian TV dramas and films, adding to its contemporary appeal.
  • The name gained a resurgence in Australia after the release of the 2006 film 'Tallulah', which received international attention.
  • Several Australian Indigenous-themed artworks and stories have been named 'Tallulah', inspired by the water imagery.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name tallulah:

  • creative
  • free-spirited
  • artistic
  • romantic

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a flowing, elegant visual appeal in cursive or stylised typographic forms, often associated with Art Deco art movements popular in the early 20th century.

Geographical Distribution

More common in metropolitan areas and coastal regions of Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria, where cultural openness and exposure to international influences are higher.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and a quest for truth, aligning with creative and poetic personalities in Australian culture.

Astrological Connections

Linked with the Water element, associated with Cancer and Pisces, symbolising intuition, emotional depth, and artistic talents in Australian astrology.

Historical Context

Famous Australian bearers include Tallulah Bankhead, an actress known for her theatrical flamboyance and influence on Australian arts and theatre. The name appears in Australian literature and media, symbolising free-spiritedness and creativity.

Linguistic Adaptability

Adaptable across various languages, with similar phonetic structures in French ('Taloula'), Spanish ('Talula'), and Italian ('Talula'). The original Muscogee pronunciation may differ.

Famous People Named tallulah

  • Tallulah Bankhead (Actress)
  • Tallulah Haddon (Actress)
  • Tallulah Willis (Film Producer and Actress, though American, known in Australia through media)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2024 2
2017 1
2016 2
2014 2