तारा

Tara

girlSanskrit; also IrishHinduBuddhist

Tara is a Hindu girl name of Sanskrit; also Irish origin, meaning “Star; she who carries across”.

MeaningStar; she who carries across
GenderGirl
OriginSanskrit; also Irish
Written asतारा
PronunciationTAH-ruh
TraditionHindu, Buddhist, Modern & Classic
Used inIndia, Nepal, Ireland, United States

Meaning and origin of Tara

In Sanskrit, tara means 'star', and the verb root tri, 'to cross over', also gives the sense of 'saviour', one who carries people across danger. In Irish, Tara is the Hill of Tara (Teamhair), seat of the ancient High Kings, whose name is of debated meaning; the plantation in Gone with the Wind made it a popular English name. The name therefore has two independent roots that happen to sound alike.

Is Tara a Hindu name?

Tara is a major female figure in Tibetan and Mahayana Buddhism, the bodhisattva of compassion, seen in forms such as Green Tara and White Tara. In Hinduism she is one of the ten Mahavidya goddesses and the wife of Brihaspati.

How popular is Tara?

Used worldwide; common in India and Nepal and well established in English-speaking countries.

Gifts with the name Tara

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Spellings and variants of Tara

TaaraTarraTaraa

Names similar to Tara

More Hindu girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Tara mean?

Tara means 'Star; she who carries across'. It is of Sanskrit; also Irish origin.

Is Tara a Hindu name?

Tara is a major female figure in Tibetan and Mahayana Buddhism, the bodhisattva of compassion, seen in forms such as Green Tara and White Tara. In Hinduism she is one of the ten Mahavidya goddesses and the wife of Brihaspati.

How do you pronounce Tara?

Tara is pronounced TAH-ruh.

Is Tara a boy or girl name?

Tara is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.