Taran Unisex

Popularity: #895 · Trend: ↘ Falling

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.

KieranDylanEamonLiamNolanFinn

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.

TalonTannerTarikTobiasTavishTate

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Taran was first seen in the United States in 1967.

Taran has ranked as high as #2060 nationally, which occurred in 1992, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Michigan, Washington, and Illinois.

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.

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 Total Births Boy Girl
2025 43 43 0
2024 31 31 0
2023 25 25 0
2022 29 29 0
2021 31 31 0
2020 30 30 0
2019 33 33 0
2018 43 43 0
2017 30 30 0
2016 32 32 0
2015 45 45 0
2014 55 48 7
2013 41 41 0
2012 57 49 8
2011 47 47 0
2010 41 41 0
2009 55 55 0
2008 52 47 5
2007 70 65 5
2006 64 52 12
2005 42 36 6
2004 59 50 9
2003 65 52 13
2002 57 48 9
2001 56 50 6
2000 58 48 10
1999 98 82 16
1998 101 91 10
1997 84 75 9
1996 110 82 28
1995 125 95 30
1994 121 98 23
1993 127 104 23
1992 142 117 25
1991 48 31 17
1990 33 18 15
1989 24 11 13
1988 29 13 16
1987 22 12 10
1986 35 13 22
1985 59 6 53
1984 48 16 32
1983 39 7 32
1982 49 11 38
1981 12 6 6
1980 15 8 7
1979 22 13 9
1978 26 12 14
1977 6 6 0
1976 16 10 6
1975 13 7 6
1974 6 6 0
1973 8 8 0
1972 5 5 0
1971 9 9 0
1969 5 0 5
1967 5 0 5

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. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
CA 6
100%