Tavita
Primarily a boy's name of Samoan origin with 161 recorded births. Also given to 34 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Tavita is a three-syllable boy's name with a open, warm sound — a soft ending that crosses many language boundaries. With only 161 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
Tavita is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Tavita is a boy's and girl's baby name of Samoan origin, the Samoan form of David — from the Hebrew Dāwīḏ, meaning 'beloved.' In Samoa and across Polynesia, biblical names have been adapted into local phonology, creating names that feel both deeply Christian and distinctly Pacific.
Tavita is common among Samoan-American families, especially in communities in Hawaii, California, and Utah, where the Samoan diaspora has created a rich naming tradition that blends Polynesian and biblical heritage.
EtymologyShow more
Tavita is cataloged under the Samoan naming tradition. Names from the Samoan tradition carry linguistic and cultural patterns that shape their sound, structure, and associations.
In the U.S., Tavita has been recorded as a boy's name since 1982, with 161 total births. Browse the Samoan names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Tavita has 24+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1982.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 20 | #11155 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 42 | #10995 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 63 | #10363 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 23 | #9452 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 13 | #6101 | — |
The Story of Tavita
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2013, Tavita is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Tavita are most likely born between 2003 and 2023.
How rare is Tavita?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Tavita is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1982, peaked in the 2000s with 63 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Tavita by the numbers
- Would fill 3 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(24 years, 1982–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 | #12073 |
| 2022 | 7 | #10724 |
| 2021 | 7 | #10668 |
| 2019 | 6 | #11972 |
| 2018 | 7 | #10621 |
| 2016 | 6 | #11992 |
| 2015 | 5 | #13825 |
| 2014 | 8 | #9527 |
| 2013 | 10 | #8035 |
| 2009 | 8 | #9756 |
| 2008 | 8 | #9768 |
| 2007 | 8 | #9678 |
| 2006 | 5 | #13792 |
| 2005 | 8 | #8996 |
| 2004 | 5 | #13015 |
| 2002 | 6 | #10512 |
| 2001 | 6 | #10410 |
| 2000 | 9 | #7338 |
| 1999 | 5 | #11418 |
| 1996 | 5 | #10374 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Tavita as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Tavita has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 34 births since 1975.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tavita a boy's or girl's name?
When was Tavita most popular?
How popular is the name Tavita?
Can Tavita be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1982–2023