תָּמָר
Tamar / Tamar
“Palm tree”
Tamar (תָּמָר, Tamar) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “palm tree,” pronounced “ta-MAR.” From the Hebrew תָּמָר (tamar) meaning 'palm tree' or 'date palm.' The palm was a symbol of beauty, grace, and righteousness in the ancient Near East. The same word is used in Song of Solomon 7:7: 'Your stature is like that of the palm.'
| Hebrew | תָּמָר |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Tamar |
| English Name | Tamar |
| Meaning | Palm tree |
| Pronunciation | ta-MAR |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Female Biblical Names |
| Variants | Tamara, Thamar, Tammy, Tamár |
| Key Scripture | Genesis 38:26 |
The palm tree is the most graceful image in the Hebrew landscape — tall, elegant, bearing fruit in the desert, and bending without breaking in the wind. Tamar, which means exactly this, is carried by multiple biblical women whose stories share a common thread: they were wronged, and they fought for justice. Judah's daughter-in-law Tamar, denied her rights as a widow, took bold and unconventional action to secure her place in the covenant line — and Judah himself declared 'She is more righteous than I' (Genesis 38:26). Her inclusion in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus is a testament to the God who works through the most unexpected people and circumstances.
Key Scripture: Genesis 38:26
“Judah recognized them and said, 'She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn't give her to my son Shelah.'”
What Does Tamar Mean in Hebrew?
The word תָּמָר (tamar) simply means 'palm tree' or 'date palm.' The palm was the most valued tree in the ancient Levant — providing food, shade, building material, and beauty. In Psalm 92:12, 'The righteous flourish like the palm tree,' connecting the name to righteousness and fruitfulness even in harsh conditions.
Tamar in the Bible
Three women named Tamar appear in Scripture: (1) Judah's daughter-in-law, who secured her rights and bore Perez, ancestor of David and Jesus; (2) David's daughter, assaulted by her half-brother Amnon; (3) Absalom's beautiful daughter. The first Tamar is one of only five women listed in Matthew's genealogy of Christ.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
In Israel, Tamar is one of the most beloved names, ranking consistently in the top 10. The date palm is a national symbol of Israel, appearing on ancient coins and in modern culture. The name perfectly blends the natural beauty of the Israeli landscape with deep biblical resonance.
Tamar is a top-10 girls' name in Israel — one of the most popular choices for Israeli girls. Tamara, the extended form, is popular across Europe and the English-speaking world. The name's beauty and strength resonate across religious and secular contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tamar
What does Tamar mean in Hebrew?
Tamar (תָּמָר, Tamar) means “Palm tree” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew תָּמָר (tamar) meaning 'palm tree' or 'date palm.' The palm was a symbol of beauty, grace, and righteousness in the ancient Near East. The same word is used in Song of Solomon 7:7: 'Your stature is like that of the palm.'
How do you pronounce Tamar in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Tamar is “ta-MAR.” The name is written תָּמָר in Hebrew script.
What does Tamar mean in Hebrew?
Tamar (תָּמָר) means 'palm tree' or 'date palm' in Hebrew. The palm was the most valued tree in ancient Israel — beautiful, fruitful, and resilient, bearing dates even in desert conditions. Psalm 92:12 says 'The righteous flourish like the palm tree,' making Tamar a name that connects beauty with righteousness.
Why is Tamar in the genealogy of Jesus?
Tamar (Judah's daughter-in-law) is one of only five women in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus. After being denied her levirate marriage rights, she took unconventional action to bear a child through Judah, producing Perez — ancestor of David and ultimately Jesus. Her inclusion highlights God's inclusion of unexpected, marginalized figures in the messianic line.
Is Tamar a popular name in Israel?
Yes — Tamar is one of the top 10 most popular girls' names in Israel and has been for years. Its connection to the date palm (a national symbol), its beautiful sound, and its deep biblical resonance make it a beloved choice across both secular and religious Israeli communities.
Sources & Further Study
More Female Biblical Names
Explore other names in the Female Biblical Names collection
Related Hebrew Names
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