Last Name Tara

The surname "Tara" has multiple origins across different cultures. In Irish, "Tara" is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Teach Tairbhfeartaigh", which means "The house or place of Tairrdelbach", a personal name derived from "tairdelbach", meaning "small and dark". Tara was also the site of an ancient royal seat in Ireland. In Hebrew, "Tara" can mean "honey" or "pleasantness". In Sanskrit, "Tara" is a female given name and means "star", "savior", or "liberator". It's associated with the goddess Tara in Buddhist mythology. In Japanese, Tara can be read as "タラ" and it's a common feminine given name. The name is not typically used as a surname in Japan.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tara

The meaning and origin of the last name Tara

The surname Tara has roots that can be traced back to several cultures and languages. In Irish, Tara is derived from the Gaelic word "Teara", which refers to a hill or elevated place. It is most famously associated with Tara Hill, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. Over time, many Irish families adopted this name as a part of their identity.

In Sanskrit, Tara also holds significant meaning as it translates to "Star" or "Strength and Protection". It is one of the most revered female deities in Hinduism and Buddhism, symbolizing compassion and protection from all round. The name was borne by many Indian families, particularly those who followed these religious traditions.

Tara can also be found among various Eastern European communities. In Bulgaria, it is a variant of the feminine given name Tatiana, which means "day" or "to celebrate". As with many surnames, over time and migration, Tara has been adopted by families across the globe, each with their unique heritage and history attached to the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tara

The last name Tara is most commonly found in regions with historical connections to Persia, particularly Iran and Azerbaijan, due to its Persian origin. In Iran, it ranks among the top 2,000 surnames, being more prevalent in provinces such as Khorasan-e Razavi, Golestan, and Fars. The name is also found in significant numbers among Azerbaijani Turks, particularly in Azerbaijan and Russia's North Caucasus region. Tara can also be found among the Indian population, where it is often of Telugu origin, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. In addition, it appears sporadically in other parts of the world due to migration and cultural exchange, with notable instances in North America, Europe, and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tara

The surname Tara has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to regional dialects and historical changes. Some common forms include Taraa, Tarah, Tarra, Taara, Tarrha, and Tarrar. In some instances, the name might be hyphenated (e.g., O'Tara or McTara) or combined with other words (e.g., MacTara, O'Tarahan). Additionally, the name can be found in various cultures, including Irish, Indian, Maori, and Persian, each with its unique history and pronunciation. It is essential to consider these factors when researching or using this surname. In all cases, Tara remains a captivating and vibrant name with rich cultural significance and varied spellings.

Famous people with the last name Tara

Tara is an uncommon surname that has produced several notable figures across various fields. In music, Tara Reid, born in 1975, is an American singer-songwriter and actress, best known for her roles in the "American Pie" film series. Born in 1987, Irish pop sensation Tara Corrigan rose to fame after placing third on the talent show "X Factor UK".

In the realm of literature, Toni Morrison, born Chloe Ardelia Wofford in 1931, is a groundbreaking American novelist and editor. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993 for her novels exploring racial identity among African Americans.

Tara Lipinski, born in 1982, is an American figure skater who became the youngest Olympic gold medalist in figure skating history at the age of 15. She also won two World Championships and three U.S. national titles during her career.

Lastly, Tara Banks, born in 1964, is a television personality known for hosting "Entertainment Tonight" and co-hosting "The View". Throughout her career, she has interviewed numerous celebrities and has been recognized for her work in media.

Genealogical research on the last name Tara

The surname Tara is found predominantly among Celtic peoples, particularly in Ireland and Scotland, where it is derived from the Gaelic word "teach" meaning house or dwelling. In Ireland, Tara was historically associated with the High Kings of Ireland, as Tara was the ancient seat of power for many centuries. The most famous high king, according to Irish mythology, was Niall of the Nine Hostages (4th century AD). Over time, the name spread beyond Ireland and Scotland, with significant populations found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand due to emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries. Famous individuals bearing the Tara surname include the Irish author John Tara (1847-1905) and the Canadian ice hockey player Rick Tara (born 1963). The genealogical records for the Tara name are extensive, providing ample resources for those wishing to trace their family history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tara"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 12 June 2025

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