Find out how popular the first name Tallis has been for the last 45 years (from 1975 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tallis by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Tallis is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 65% of people named Tallis being male.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Tallis.

The history of the first name Tallis

The name Tallis is of English origin and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have derived from the Old French word "tailler," which means "to cut" or "to carve." This connection suggests that the name may have been associated with occupations such as tailors or stonemasons.

During the medieval period, the name Tallis was primarily found in England, particularly in the regions of East Anglia and the Midlands. It was often spelled with variations such as Taillis, Taylys, or Taylys.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tallis can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Cambridgeshire from the late 13th century, where it appears as "Thomas le Taylys." This suggests that the name was already in use as a surname at that time.

In the 16th century, the name gained prominence due to the English composer Thomas Tallis (c. 1505-1585). He was a renowned figure in the Renaissance era and served as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal under four successive monarchs. Tallis's compositions, including his famous work "Spem in alium," have left a lasting impact on sacred music.

Another notable figure with the name Tallis was John Tallis (1789-1840), an English cartographer and publisher. He founded the Tallis & Co. publishing house and was known for producing high-quality maps and atlases.

In the literary world, Graham Tallis (1923-2003) was an English novelist and short story writer. His works explored themes of identity, relationships, and the complexities of modern life.

Sir John Tallis (1913-1998) was a prominent British civil servant and economist. He served as the Chairman of the Royal Commission on the Distribution of Income and Wealth from 1974 to 1979.

Another notable figure with the name Tallis was Sir Raymond Tallis (1934-2022), a British philosopher, author, and former physician. He made significant contributions to the fields of neuroscience and the philosophy of mind.

While the name Tallis has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, it has been carried by individuals who have left their mark in various fields, from music and literature to public service and academia.

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 Tallis was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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