Tabitha
Meaning
Gazelle
About
A disciple known for her charitable works who was raised from the dead by Peter. She is also known by her Greek name Dorcas.
Variants
📜 History & Origin
Tabitha lived in Joppa and was beloved for making clothes for the poor. When she died, Peter raised her from the dead, leading many to believe in Jesus.
✨ Personality Traits
🌟 Famous People
- •Tabitha King - American author and wife of Stephen King
- •Tabitha Brown - American actress and social media personality
🎂 Name Day
October 25
🎯 Fun Facts
Tabitha/Dorcas is one of only two people in the New Testament (along with Lazarus) who were raised from the dead.
🌍 Etymology & Cultural Context
The name Tabitha belongs to the Biblical naming tradition, which took shape in Ancient Israel and the Near East. Biblical names span both testaments of the Christian Bible and the Hebrew scriptures, carrying some of the deepest spiritual resonance in Western culture. These names have been chosen by millions across two millennia for their sacred associations, narrative richness, and timeless power. Biblical names come from multiple languages — primarily Hebrew and Greek, with some Aramaic, Latin, and other ancient tongues. The New Testament was written in Greek, which is why many New Testament figures bear Greek names or Greek forms of Hebrew originals: Jesus (Iesous from Hebrew Yeshua), Peter (Petros from Aramaic Cephas), Stephen (Stephanos, Greek for 'crown'). The precise meaning of Tabitha — "Gazelle" — reflects this tradition's characteristic way of encoding aspiration, faith, or observable truth into a name that a person carries for life.
In Christian tradition, the naming of children after saints and biblical figures was not merely custom but a form of spiritual protection — placing the child under the patronage of a holy figure. This practice spread biblical names from Jerusalem to Iceland, from Ethiopia to Mexico. Biblical names have shown remarkable staying power. Many appear in the top 100 baby names across English-speaking countries year after year: Noah, Elijah, Hannah, Abigail, Ethan, Caleb. Their combination of spiritual heritage and strong, appealing sounds makes them perennially popular. As a feminine name, Tabitha joins a tradition of names that celebrated the particular strengths and qualities most valued in women across its originating culture. The name exists in 3 known variant forms — including Tabby, Tabita, Dorcas — testament to how widely it has traveled and how naturally it adapts to different languages and cultures.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Tabitha mean?
Tabitha means "Gazelle." A disciple known for her charitable works who was raised from the dead by Peter. She is also known by her Greek name Dorcas. The name originates from the Biblical tradition, where its meaning would have carried particular resonance in the cultural and linguistic context of its time. Today, the name carries both its original meaning and centuries of accumulated associations from history, literature, and the lives of notable people who have borne it.
What is the origin of the name Tabitha?
Tabitha is a name of Biblical origin. The name Tabitha belongs to the Biblical naming tradition, which took shape in Ancient Israel and the Near East. Biblical names span both testaments of the Christian Bible and the Hebrew scriptures, carrying some of the deepest spiritual resonance in Western culture. Over centuries, the name spread beyond its original cultural context, adapting to new languages and cultures while retaining its core meaning.
Is Tabitha a popular name?
Tabitha has a popularity score of 35/100 in our database, placing it among the less common names valued for their distinctiveness. While not topping the charts, Tabitha has devoted followers who appreciate its meaning and distinctive character.
How do you pronounce Tabitha?
Tabitha is typically pronounced with 3 syllables. The name is spelled exactly as it sounds in most English-speaking contexts, though variant spellings like Tabby and Tabita may have slightly different pronunciations. Its 3-syllable rhythm gives it a flowing, lyrical quality.
What are good nicknames for Tabitha?
Common nicknames and variants for Tabitha include Tabby, Tabita, Dorcas. The most frequently used short form is Tabby, which is often used affectionately by family and close friends. These variations demonstrate how the name has adapted to different linguistic contexts and personal preferences over time.