Taran Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: TAH-ran //ˈtɛərən//
Origin: Irish; Welsh
Meaning: Irish: 'thunder'; Welsh: 'earth'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Taran has its roots in the Welsh language, deriving from the word "taran," which means "thunder." This etymological origin reflects the natural elements and the significance of weather phenomena in ancient Celtic culture, where names often embodied attributes of nature. The transition of Taran into English occurred through the influence of Welsh culture and language, particularly during the periods of Norman and later English interactions with Wales, which facilitated the incorporation of many Welsh names into English vernacular.
Historically, Taran is associated with the Celtic pantheon, where thunder was often linked to deities and natural forces. Although there are no specific historical figures named Taran in early records, the name resonates with the broader themes of strength and power associated with thunder in Celtic mythology.
The name's usage can be traced back through various literary and cultural references, particularly in the context of Welsh folklore and storytelling traditions, which have been preserved through the centuries. Culturally, Taran symbolizes strength and the awe-inspiring power of nature, making it a name that carries significant weight in the context of Welsh heritage.
The name may also connect to the concept of a protector or a warrior, as thunder often evokes images of might and resilience. While diminutive forms or variations may exist, Taran itself has maintained a distinct identity, reflecting the enduring legacy of Welsh names in the broader tapestry of English nomenclature.
Famous people named Taran
In this section, you will find notable people named Taran. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Taran who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Taran who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Taran Killam is an actor and comedian best known for Saturday Night Live, Mad TV, and The Amanda Show.
Taran Egerton is an actor best known for Kingsman: The Secret Service, Rocketman, and Eddie the Eagle.
Fictional characters named Taran
The following list of fictional characters named Taran is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Taran is a fictional character from the book series The Chronicles of Prydain. He is an Assistant Pig-Keeper who embarks on a quest to become a hero and protect his land from evil.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Taran, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Taran. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Taran was first seen in the United States in 1971.
Taran has ranked as high as #1124 nationally, which occurred in 1992, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Michigan, Washington, and Minnesota.
In the past 5 years the name Taran has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Taran is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Taran was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Taran (2020)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Taran.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 31 |
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2020 | 30 |
| 2019 | 33 |
| 2018 | 43 |
| 2017 | 30 |
| 2016 | 32 |
| 2015 | 45 |
| 2014 | 48 |
| 2013 | 41 |
| 2012 | 49 |
| 2011 | 47 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2008 | 47 |
| 2007 | 65 |
| 2006 | 52 |
| 2005 | 36 |
| 2004 | 50 |
| 2003 | 52 |
| 2002 | 48 |
| 2001 | 50 |
| 2000 | 48 |
| 1999 | 82 |
| 1998 | 91 |
| 1997 | 75 |
| 1996 | 82 |
| 1995 | 95 |
| 1994 | 98 |
| 1993 | 104 |
| 1992 | 117 |
| 1991 | 31 |
| 1990 | 18 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1988 | 13 |
| 1987 | 12 |
| 1986 | 13 |
| 1985 | 6 |
| 1984 | 16 |
| 1983 | 7 |
| 1982 | 11 |
| 1981 | 6 |
| 1980 | 8 |
| 1979 | 13 |
| 1978 | 12 |
| 1977 | 6 |
| 1976 | 10 |
| 1975 | 7 |
| 1974 | 6 |
| 1973 | 8 |
| 1972 | 5 |
| 1971 | 9 |