Tamar (name)

Tamar (Hebrew: תמר‎) is a female name of Hebrew origin, meaning "date" (the fruit), "date palm" or just "palm tree". There are three in the Bible with this name. The pronunciation of Tamar depends on each so-named person's language, culture, and idiolectic preference; typical pronunciations in English are /ˈtɑːmər/ and /ˈteɪmər/. Variants include "Tamara".

The name was not often used in traditional Jewish societies, possibly because both Biblical characters bearing the name are depicted as involved in controversial sexual affairs. It was, however, among the Biblical names revived and actively promoted by the Zionist pioneers, and is a common female name in contemporary Israel (often shortened, as in other languages, to "Tammy" (תמי) – which is sometimes treated as name on its own).

It is also a popular name among Armenians, sometimes nicknamed "Tamarik", meaning "Little Tamar". According to Armenian folklore, the name of Akhtamar Island in Lake Van is attributed to a peasant boy's longing cries of "Akh (Oh), Tamar!" as he drowns trying to reach his beloved Princess Tamar imprisoned on the island.

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