Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Latanya since 1947
Babies named Latanya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 20 |
| 1950s | 523 |
| 1960s | 2,121 |
| 1970s | 4,655 |
| 1980s | 1,927 |
| 1990s | 439 |
| 2000s | 132 |
| 2010s | 27 |
| 2020s | 6 |
Meaning & origin
Latanya emerged in the United States around 1947, a product of the mid-20th century trend of creating distinctive names with the La- prefix. It saw its peak in 1975, when it was most fashionable among African American families. Since 1985, its usage has steadily fallen, and by 2025 it no longer ranks among the top 1,000 names. Though its exact meaning is uncertain, Latanya remains a recognizable example of modern American naming creativity, tied to a specific era and cultural movement.
Latanya first appeared in the United States in the mid-20th century, likely as a modern coinage combining the fashionable prefix La- (found in names like Latoya and Lakeisha) with Tanya, a Russian diminutive of Tatiana. It rose quickly in popularity during the 1970s, peaking in 1975, and has since become less common. The name is particularly associated with African American naming traditions.
Where Latanya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tanya, Tanny, LaLa
Sibling names for Latanya
Names that share Latanya's style, for a brother or sister.
