Tundra
A girl's name of Russian origin with 36 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Tundra peaked during the Gen X years, when 7 babies received this name in a single year (1966). That era was defined by post-traditional, counterculture-influenced naming, and Tundra has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Tundra is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Tundra is a girl's baby name of Russian origin, from the Russian tundra (itself from the Sami tunturi), meaning 'treeless Arctic plain' or 'high, barren plateau.'
Tundra is a bold nature word name — vast, cold, and starkly beautiful. For parents drawn to unconventional, landscape-inspired names with an edge, Tundra stands apart from the floral and pastoral nature names, evoking the dramatic, elemental beauty of the far north. Unexpected and genuinely memorable.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Tundra belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, warm ending — a soft ending that crosses many language boundaries. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Russian naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Russian names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Tundra’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Tundra has 6+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1962.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 19 | #8283 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 17 | #7143 | — |
The Story of Tundra
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1966, Tundra is a Gen X staple. Girls named Tundra are most likely born between 1962 and 1976.
How rare is Tundra?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Tundra is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1962, peaked in the 1970s with 19 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(6 years, 1962–1977)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | 6 | #9586 |
| 1972 | 6 | #8230 |
| 1970 | 7 | #7033 |
| 1968 | 5 | #8133 |
| 1966 | 7 | #5781 |
| 1962 | 5 | #7516 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tundra a boy's or girl's name?
When was Tundra most popular?
How popular is the name Tundra?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1962–1977