While most typically used as a boy's name, Tatum is a modern English unisex baby name that reached peak popularity in the 2010s. The name can mean either “Tate’s homestead” or “cheerful bringer of joy.” It’s the latter meaning that makes the name popular with parents looking for a happy, positive name for their baby. Read on to learn more about this adorable baby name.
Meaning and Origin of the name Tatum:
Tatum is a unisex baby name meaning “Tate’s homestead.” Tatum is derived from an Old English place name. Tatum could also mean “cheerful bringer of joy” if traced back to a different Old English term.
Symbolism of the name Tatum:
With a meaning like “cheerful bringer of joy,” it is natural to associate the name Tatum with the sun and bright sunny days.
Nicknames for the name Tatum:
- Tay
- Taytay
- Tate
- Tum
- Tates
- Tater
- Tat
- T
Style of the name Tatum:
Modern
Gender of the name Tatum:
Tatum is a name used for both boys and girls.
Pronunciation of the name Tatum:
TAY-təm
Number of syllables in the name Tatum:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Tatum:
Tatum evokes feelings of energy and confidence.
Alternative spellings for the name Tatum:
Taytum, Tatem
Popularity of the name Tatum:
According to the Social Security Administration, Tatum is a modern unisex baby name. As a boy’s name, Tatum became popular in 2010 and peaked at #487 in 2019. As a girl’s name, Tatum became popular in 1994 and peaked at #329 in 2013.
Related names for the name Tatum:
Great middle names for the name Tatum and their meanings:
Boy:
Girl:
- Reese (ardor)
- Blake (dark wood or clearing)
- Bellamy (fine friend)
- Arden (valley of the eagle)
- Fern (bold voyager)
Famous people with the name Tatum:
- Tatum Antoine Bell (American NFL football player)
- Tatum Christopher (son of singer Luke Bryan)
- Channing Tatum (American actor)
- Art Tatum (jazz musician/pianist)
- Edward Lawrie Tatum (Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine)
Tatums in popular culture:
- Drederick Tatum (television, “The Simpsons”)
- USS Tatum (escort ship World War II)
The image featured at the top of this post is ©inarik/ via Getty Images.