The name Tamara is thought to have originated from the Old Hebrew language, derived from the word "tamar" meaning "date palm tree" or "palm tree". It is believed to have first emerged in ancient Israel during the biblical era.

The earliest known historical reference to the name Tamara comes from the Book of Ezekiel in the Hebrew Bible, where it is mentioned as a place name. In the 8th century BC, the ancient city of Tamar was located near the southern border of ancient Israel.

The name Tamara started gaining popularity as a feminine given name during the Middle Ages, particularly in Eastern Europe and Russia. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name being used as a personal name was Tamara of Georgia, a Georgian princess who lived in the 12th century.

In the 13th century, Tamara became a renowned figure in Russian folklore and literature, thanks to the epic poem "The Tale of the Ruse of Prince Igor". The poem features a character named Tamara, who is described as a beautiful and brave woman.

Another notable historical figure with the name Tamara was Tamara de Lempicka, a Polish Art Deco painter who lived from 1898 to 1980. She was known for her bold and stylized paintings of wealthy and influential figures.

During the Renaissance period, the name Tamara gained popularity in Italy, where it was sometimes spelled as "Tamar" or "Tamera". One notable Italian figure with this name was Tamara de' Lardis, a 16th-century poet and writer.

In the 19th century, the name Tamara became popular in Russia and Eastern Europe once again, thanks in part to the popularity of the novel "Demon" by Mikhail Lermontov, which featured a character named Tamara.