Tabita

Tabita is the Latin form of Tabitha, which in turn is a Greek transliteration of the Aramaic word tabyitā, meaning "gazelle." The name appears in the New Testament (Acts 9:36) where Tabitha is a disciple known for her good works who was restored to life by Saint Peter. Her name is translated into Greek as Dorcas, which also means "gazelle." The Latin form Tabita is less common than the English Tabitha but has historical usage in Latin-speaking Christian contexts.

As an English name, Tabitha became popular after the Protestant Reformation, when many biblical names were revived. In the 1960s, the name was popularized by the television show Bewitched, in which Tabitha (sometimes spelled Tabatha) is the daughter of the main character. The Latin form Tabita is also used in some European languages, particularly in German via Tabea.

A notable bearer of the name is Barbara Tabita (born 1975), an Italian actress, comedian, and playwright. Born in Augusta, Sicily, she studied at the Teatro Stabile di Catania and made her film debut in 2000. Her varied career includes films, television series, and stage plays.

Related names include the English diminutives Tabby and Tibby, as well as the German spelling Tabea. The name Tabata has also been used in some English-speaking countries.

• Meaning: "Gazelle" in Aramaic
• Origin: Aramaic, via Greek and Latin
• Type: First name, feminine
• Usage: Latin Bible, English, German, Italian (as Tabita)