All about the name

Tally

Male

« Tally is a distinctive Greek name meaning "feast" or "banquet", inspired by the legendary bronze giant Talos who guarded the island of Crete. »

#14933 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Tally is a unique and distinctive name of Greek origin that has gained popularity in recent years. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in ancient mythology. The name Tally comes from the Greek word "talanton," which means "feast" or "banquet." In Greek mythology, Talos was a giant automaton made of bronze who guarded the island of Crete. According to the legend, Talos had a single vein running through his body instead of blood vessels, and he could move by opening this vein with a key. When anyone approached the island, Talos would throw them into the sea, fulfilling his role as guardian. The name Tally has also been associated with the practice of tally marks in mathematics, which is a system of representing numbers using strokes or hash marks. However, there is no direct connection between this usage and the Greek origins of the name. In literature, Tally has been used as a character name by several authors, most notably in Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series, where the main character is named Tally Youngblood. This exposure has likely contributed to the increasing popularity of the name in recent years. Overall, the name Tally offers a unique and memorable option for parents looking for a distinctive name with deep roots in ancient mythology. Its Greek origins and interesting historical context make it an attractive choice for those seeking a name that is both unusual and meaningful.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Tally since 1880

Total births
137
Total since 1880
Peak year
1975
15 births
in 1977
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years