Origin
English origin; derived from Old English words 'tāth' meaning 'cheerful' or 'mutually' and 'ham' meaning 'homestead' or 'village.' The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the 20th century, especially as a unisex given name. In Australia, 'Tatum' is often used for boys, influenced by cultural trends and popular culture, including actors and musicians.
Meaning
Literal translation as 'cheerful homestead' or 'mutually held village.' In Australian context, it often connotes qualities of friendliness, openness, and resilience.
Pronunciation
/ˈtætəm/ (TAT-um) - emphasis on the first syllable, Australian English pronunciation is consistent with standard English pronunciation, with a clear 't' sound.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Tatem
- Tatemah
- Tætem
Nicknames
- Tate
- Tato
Name Days
- 1 October (Australian National Day of Aboriginal Peoples – acknowledging indigenous cultures)
- 19 March (St. Joseph's Day, celebration for various Catholic communities in Australia)
- 26 January (Australia Day, national celebration)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with tatum:
- Ethan and Tatum
- Lachlan and Tatum
- Oliver and Tatum
Fun Facts
- The name Tatum gained fame through American rapper and actor Tatum O'Neal's influence in popular culture.
- In Australia, Tatum is less common than traditional names but has seen a rise in use since the early 2000s.
- Australian athletes and artists have popularised the name within youth and creative circles.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name tatum:
- friendly
- resilient
- creative
- outgoing
Aesthetic Qualities
Clean and modern visual appeal, with simple spelling and balanced phonetics suitable for contemporary Australian naming styles; typographically appealing.
Geographical Distribution
More popular in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane where contemporary naming trends flourish, less common in rural areas, where traditional names predominate.
Numerological Significance
Name number 6, associated with harmony, nurturing, and responsibility; suggests a balanced and caring personality in numerology interpretations within Australia.
Astrological Connections
Linked with the zodiac sign Cancer, emphasizing qualities like loyalty, intuition, and emotional depth which are valued traits in Australian cultural contexts.
Historical Context
Though relatively modern in widespread use, individuals named Tatum have appeared in Australian public life, notably in arts and sports. The name's modern rise correlates with cultural exchanges and globalisation.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across many languages, with similar spellings and pronunciations in English, French, and Spanish; minor variations include Tatom and Tatumah.
Famous People Named tatum
- Tatum O'Neal (Actress)
- Tatum Bell (American football player, popular in Australian sports circles)
- Tatum Summers (Contemporary Australian singer)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 11 |
2016 | 1 |
2015 | 1 |
2014 | 3 |
2013 | 1 |