Tanisha Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: tah-NEE-shah /təˈniːʃə/
Origin: Sanskrit; African American
Meaning: Sanskrit: 'ambition'; African American: 'born on a Monday'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Tanisha is believed to have African origins, specifically deriving from the Swahili language, where it is often interpreted to mean "born on a Monday." The etymology of Tanisha can also be linked to the Arabic name Tanishah, which carries connotations of being "ambitious" or "desiring." The name's journey into English-speaking contexts likely occurred through cultural exchanges and the diaspora of African communities, particularly in the 20th century, as names from various African languages began to gain recognition and usage in Western societies. Historically, the name Tanisha does not have prominent figures or events associated with it in ancient texts or notable historical records, which is common for many modern names that have emerged from more recent cultural movements.
However, the rise of the name in the late 20th century coincided with a broader recognition and appreciation of African heritage and identity, particularly in the United States, where names reflecting African roots became more embraced in various communities. Culturally, Tanisha resonates with themes of strength and individuality, often associated with the empowerment of women and the celebration of African heritage.
The name has been used in various forms of media, contributing to its recognition and association with positive attributes. While diminutive forms or variations may exist, such as Tani or Nisha, the name Tanisha itself stands as a symbol of cultural pride and identity, reflecting a blend of linguistic heritage and modern significance.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Tanisha was first seen in the United States in 1967. Tanisha has ranked as high as #553 nationally, which occurred in 1982, and has been most popular in New York, California, Illinois, Michigan, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Tanisha has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Tanisha (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| FL | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1967 | 5 |
| 1968 | 12 |
| 1969 | 27 |
| 1970 | 129 |
| 1971 | 374 |
| 1972 | 629 |
| 1973 | 525 |
| 1974 | 611 |
| 1975 | 631 |
| 1976 | 655 |
| 1977 | 735 |
| 1978 | 652 |
| 1979 | 687 |
| 1980 | 751 |
| 1981 | 693 |
| 1982 | 758 |
| 1983 | 724 |
| 1984 | 657 |
| 1985 | 631 |
| 1986 | 679 |
| 1987 | 685 |
| 1988 | 618 |
| 1989 | 615 |
| 1990 | 681 |
| 1991 | 681 |
| 1992 | 668 |
| 1993 | 579 |
| 1994 | 573 |
| 1995 | 447 |
| 1996 | 421 |
| 1997 | 292 |
| 1998 | 249 |
| 1999 | 180 |
| 2000 | 165 |
| 2001 | 165 |
| 2002 | 142 |
| 2003 | 135 |
| 2004 | 136 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 136 |
| 2007 | 130 |
| 2008 | 131 |
| 2009 | 85 |
| 2010 | 107 |
| 2011 | 94 |
| 2012 | 72 |
| 2013 | 58 |
| 2014 | 49 |
| 2015 | 53 |
| 2016 | 44 |
| 2017 | 39 |
| 2018 | 37 |
| 2019 | 40 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 25 |