Tacoma is a unique and distinctive given name of Native American origin. It is derived from the Lushootseed language, which was spoken by the indigenous people of the Puget Sound region in the state of Washington. In Lushootseud, "tah-koo-ma" means "beautiful water." The name Tacoma has a rich history and significance for the Native American tribes who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
The city of Tacoma, located in Pierce County, Washington, is named after the indigenous people who inhabited the region. The city was founded in 1853 by a group of European-American settlers, but it wasn't until 1875 that it was officially incorporated and named "Tacoma." The name was chosen to honor the Native American tribe that had lived there for generations.
In addition to its association with the city, Tacoma has also become known as a given name. While it is not a common name, those who choose it often do so because of its unique sound and meaningful origin. As a name of Native American origin, Tacoma carries a sense of history and connection to the land.
In popular culture, Tacoma has been used as a character name in various films and television shows, such as "Tacoma" in the video game "Fallout: New Vegas" and "Tacoma" in the Netflix series "Stranger Things." However, despite its increasing visibility in pop culture, Tacoma remains a rare and distinctive given name that carries a deep connection to its Native American roots.
Statistics on the given name Tacoma show a varied trend over time in the United States.
From 1979 to 2022, there have been a total of 204 babies named Tacoma born in the U.S. The name's popularity has fluctuated over the decades:
- In the late 1970s and early 1990s, Tacoma was given to around 5 to 8 babies per year.
- Starting in 2002, there was a notable increase in its usage, with 32 births that year. This could indicate a growing trend or popularity of the name during this period.
- After 2007, the number of annual Tacoma births decreased again to around 10 babies per year until 2010.
- There was another spike in 2018 with 7 births before dropping back down to 5 births each year from 2020 to 2022.
While Tacoma may not be one of the most common names, these statistics demonstrate that it has been given consistently over several decades, indicating a degree of enduring popularity. Moreover, its usage can provide insight into potential naming trends and preferences within American culture during different time periods.