Tabitha is an English feminine given name derived from an Aramaic word meaning "gazelle." The name appears in the New Testament in Acts 9:36, where Tabitha (also known by her Greek equivalent Dorcas) is a benevolent woman whom Saint Peter restores to life. The Greek form Dorcas similarly means "gazelle." Etymology and Biblical Origin Tabitha comes from the Aramaic ṭaḇīṯā (טביתא), meaning "female gazelle." In the New Testament, the name appears in Greek as Ταβιθά. The account in Acts describes Tabitha as a disciple known for her good works and charity. After her death, Peter prays and she is revived, a miracle that leads many to believe in Christianity. This narrative cemented Tabitha as a symbol of virtue and divine favor. Historical and Cultural Usage Although Hebrew and Jewish names were used in the early Christian era, Tabitha did not become common as an English name until after the Protestant Reformation, when biblical names gained popularity among Puritans and other Protestant groups. In 18th-century New England, Tabitha was a frequent choice, ranking among the top female given names in that region. Its prevalence declined in the 19th and early 20th centuries but saw a resurgence in the 1960s due to the television sitcom Bewitched, in which the character Tabitha (sometimes spelled Tabatha) is the daughter of the main character, Samantha. This pop-culture reference revitalized interest in the name and made it broadly familiar to modern audiences. Variants and Diminutives Variants of Tabitha include Tabatha, an alternative spelling used in English. Common diminutives are Tabby and Tibby, often used affectionately or as nicknames. In other languages, the name appears as Tabita in Biblical Latin, Tabea in German, and as Tzviya in Hebrew. Meaning: "gazelle" Origin: Aramaic, Biblical Type: Feminine given name Usage Regions: English-speaking world, especially biblical and post-Reformation contexts