Find out how popular the first name Tabby has been for the last 1 years (from 1976 to 1976) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tabby by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Tabby is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1976, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tabby.

The history of the first name Tabby

The given name Tabby is thought to have originated as a diminutive form of the feminine name Tabitha, which itself is derived from the Aramaic name Tavitha, meaning "gazelle" or "deer." The name Tavitha likely emerged during the time of the Aramaic Empire, which spanned from the 8th century BCE to the 7th century CE and encompassed regions of the Middle East, including parts of modern-day Syria, Iraq, and Iran.

The earliest recorded use of the name Tabitha can be found in the New Testament of the Bible, in the Acts of the Apostles. Here, Tabitha is described as a disciple who lived in the ancient city of Joppa (modern-day Jaffa, Israel) and was known for her charitable works and kindness. When she fell ill and died, the apostle Peter is said to have resurrected her, earning her the title "Dorcas" in Greek, which also means "gazelle."

One of the earliest known individuals to bear the diminutive form Tabby was Tabby Tench (c. 1508 - c. 1592), an English nun and writer who lived during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. She is notable for her work "The Honey-Tasting," a collection of spiritual meditations and reflections.

During the 17th century, the name Tabby gained popularity in parts of New England, likely due to the influence of Puritan settlers. One notable bearer of the name was Tabby Tenney (1672 - 1736), an early settler of Rowley, Massachusetts, who is remembered for her role in the establishment of the town's first church and her commitment to education.

In the 18th century, Tabby Whale (1737 - 1816) was a British actress and singer who performed on the London stage, often appearing in comedic roles. She was known for her talents as a mimic and her ability to capture the mannerisms of various social classes.

In the 19th century, Tabby Aykroyd (1856 - 1924) was a Canadian writer and feminist who advocated for women's rights and education. She is particularly remembered for her work in establishing the Women's Art Association of Canada and her efforts to promote female artists and writers.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Tabby was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Tabby, please contact us.

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