Tupelo Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

About Tupelo

Tupelo, one of the common name for trees of the Nyssa genus, stems from the Creek words ito and opilwa, meaning "swamp tree". Also the name of a city in Mississippi, Tupelo trees are associated with adaptability, wood carving, and honey, making the name feel sweet, strong, and arty at the same time.

Tupelo for boys

The actress, Riley Keough (the granddaughter of Elvis Presley), gave her daughter the name Tupelo in 2022, in honor of Elvis's birth city, while many may have been made more aware of the name thanks to Van Morrison's album, Tupelo Honey.

Tupelo for girls

A powerful yet playful choice, Tupelo is a name with southern charm, appearing on the map as as place in Mississippi and as the name of a tree with soft, light wood that grows in the swamps of the south. The tree is associated with adaptability and resilience, with a light, mild honey, and with artistic tree carving, lend the name strength, sweetness, and creative flair.

Derived from the Creek words ito and opilwa, the name translates to "swamp tree", and has been notably borne by author Tupelo Hassman. Van Morrison's 1971 album Tupelo Honey has also brought the name more attention, though it does remain a rare choice.

Actress Riley Keough, granddaughter of Elvis Presley, named her daughter Tupelo Storm in honor of Elvis's birth city.

Pronounced TOO-puh-lo.