Tamyra is a unique and distinctive female given name of African American origin. It is believed to have been created by author Alice Walker in her novel "The Color Purple" published in 1982. In the novel, Tamyra is one of the main characters and is portrayed as a strong-willed and independent young woman.
The exact meaning of the name Tamyra is not known as it was created for the purpose of the novel. However, some sources suggest that it may have been derived from the African name Tamara, which means "date palm tree" in Arabic. Others suggest that it could be a combination of the names Tammy and Myra.
Despite its uncertain origins, Tamyra has become a popular given name for girls in recent years, particularly in African American communities. It is often associated with strength, independence, and creativity, reflecting the qualities of the character Tamyra in "The Color Purple.
Between 1941 and 2023, the name Tamyra was given to a total of 2,267 newborns in the United States. The popularity of the name varied significantly over time, with peaks occurring in certain years.
In the early years, there were only a few births each year: seven in 1941 and nine in 1945. However, in the mid-1950s, the number of newborn girls named Tamyra began to rise dramatically. In 1958, there were an impressive 58 births, marking a significant increase from previous years.
The name's popularity continued to grow throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, with a peak of 122 births recorded in 2003. This was the highest number of newborn girls named Tamyra in any given year during this period.
However, after 2004, the popularity of the name began to decline once again. By 2023, only seven babies were named Tamyra at birth, indicating a substantial decrease from its peak nearly two decades prior.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Tamyra has maintained a consistent presence among newborn girls in the United States since 1941. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its unique sound and its association with various positive qualities and characteristics.