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Tanner Unisex

Popularity: #402 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationTAN-er / /ˈtæn.ər/

English; Old French

Meaning

English: leather worker; Old French: tanner

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Tanner originates from the Old French word "tanier," which means "to tan leather." This term itself derives from the Latin "tannare," which has the same meaning, and can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰen-, meaning "to make" or "to do." The name entered the English language during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when many Old French terms were adopted into English, particularly in relation to trades and occupations. As a surname, Tanner was commonly associated with individuals who worked in the leather tanning industry, which was a significant trade in medieval England.

Historically, the name Tanner has been borne by various notable figures, particularly in England. In the 13th century, Tanner was used as a surname among the gentry and was recorded in various legal documents and land grants. The name also appears in the context of the English Reformation, where it was associated with the rise of tradesmen and artisans who gained prominence during this period. The name's presence in historical texts and records underscores its longstanding association with craftsmanship and trade.

Culturally, Tanner symbolizes industriousness and skill, reflecting the importance of leatherworking in medieval society. The name has been linked to various traditional practices and guilds that were integral to the economic fabric of the time. Additionally, the diminutive form "Tanny" has been used in some contexts, although it is less common. Overall, Tanner encapsulates a rich historical narrative tied to occupation and societal development, marking its significance in the evolution of English nomenclature.

Trend Summary

Tanner has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Tannor

International Variants

Famous people named Tanner

Tanner Fox is a YouTuber and professional scooter rider best known for his YouTube channel and various scooter competitions.

Tanner Foust is a professional driver and television host best known for his work on Top Gear USA and the X Games.

Tanner Hall is a professional skier best known for his achievements in freestyle skiing and his film segments in ski movies.

Fictional characters named Tanner

Tanner is a fictional character from the film The Hangover Part II. He is a member of the group of friends who embark on a chaotic adventure in Thailand.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Tanner was first seen in the United States in 1913. Tanner has ranked as high as #145 nationally, which occurred in 1998, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Tanner has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Tanner (2024)

StateBirthsShare
FL 56
9%
TX 56
9%
CA 38
6%
OH 37
6%
NC 36
5%
NY 32
5%
VA 26
4%
IL 26
4%
MI 26
4%
PA 26
4%
GA 25
4%
TN 24
4%
WI 19
3%
SC 16
2%
UT 15
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19136
19155
19165
19185
19216
19226
19245
19275
19307
19508
19616
19627
196310
19645
19667
196810
19698
197016
197114
197219
197325
197434
197547
197673
1977121
1978168
1979299
1980311
1981279
1982363
1983401
1984407
1985514
1986561
1987719
1988906
19891,236
19901,387
19912,272
19923,645
19933,768
19943,923
19954,320
19964,180
19974,676
19984,704
19994,521
20004,235
20013,832
20023,446
20033,390
20043,232
20053,075
20062,867
20072,732
20082,419
20092,453
20102,136
20112,139
20122,181
20132,050
20141,865
20151,715
20161,605
20171,331
20181,141
20191,017
2020980
2021905
2022783
2023720
2024711