Fun Facts About the Name Tigris
- 5 babies named Tigris: U.S. records list 5 babies given the name Tigris from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Tigris Mean?
Tigris is the English form of the Greek and Latin name of the river that runs through Mesopotamia. Its meaning is uncertain. Greek Τίγρις (Tígris) is usually traced to Old Persian Tigrā, which has been connected with an Old Persian adjective tigra-, "sharp, pointed," and with words for "arrow"; this is often interpreted as a reference to the river's swift current, though the interpretation is not certain. An older Sumerian name for the river, Idigna (Akkadian Idiqlat), is sometimes proposed as the ultimate source, but the relationship between the Sumerian and Old Persian forms is not securely explained. The same Greek word, τίγρις, also means "tiger," but the river name and the animal name should not be assumed to share an origin.
Tigris Name History & Origins
The Tigris is the eastern of the two rivers that define Mesopotamia, flowing from southeastern Turkey through Iraq and joining the Euphrates in southern Iraq. Its earliest recorded name is Sumerian Idigna, rendered in Akkadian as Idiqlat; the Hebrew Bible calls it Hiddekel and lists it as one of the four rivers of Eden in Genesis 2:14. The name entered Greek as Τίγρις from Old Persian Tigrā, and passed from Greek into Latin and then English as Tigris.
In Greek mythology, Tigris was one of the Potamoi, the river gods. The identification of the biblical Hiddekel with the Tigris is traditional rather than explicit in the Genesis text. As a given name, Tigris is generally a transferred use of the river name rather than an inherited personal name.
How Popular is the Name Tigris?
Tigris has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2025. Its best rank was #17,055 in 2025.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #17,055 | 5 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
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How the Name Tigris Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You like to control everyone within your influence, to shape things to your own liking. If positive, you develop high spirituality, as you have a God's protection. You are sensitive, affectionate, imaginative and cooperative, spiritually aware and prone to self-sacrifice. You can keep secrets and are a good diplomat. You may have healing and psychic powers. You are intuitive and might be interested in the arts, drama or science.
You are always looking for a chance to do your own thing, to be your own person, and to have things done your own way.
✦ Tigris's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Tigris's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.