MallowbyNames

Tanna

TAN-uh · Of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Tana or a feminine form of Tan or a place name.

Peak popularity
1979
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1998

Declining since 1998.

Popularity of Tanna since 1943

Babies named Tanna per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3061911960198020002020Most births 1979Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s170
1950s327
1960s482
1970s455
1980s621
1990s601
2000s430
2010s121
2020s29

Meaning & origin

Tanna is a rare and unconventional name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1943 but has never entered the top 1000. Its peak year of use was 1979, and it has been on a downward trajectory since 1998, making it an increasingly uncommon choice. The name's origins are unclear; it may be a modern invention, a respelling of Tana, or derived from various cultural sources. Its obscurity and simple two-syllable sound appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name without strong associations. Tanna remains a rare find, with its highest usage occurring decades ago.

Tanna is a name of uncertain derivation. It may be a modern coinage inspired by similar short names like Tana or Tanya, or possibly derived from the Japanese name Tanna meaning 'valley'. Alternatively, it could be a variant of the Hebrew name Tanna, meaning 'teacher' in Aramaic. Its use in the United States dates to at least 1943, though it has never achieved widespread popularity. The name saw a modest peak in 1979 and has been in decline since the late 1990s.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Tana

Sibling names for Tanna

Names that share Tanna's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Mara, Lena, Clara, Nora, Stella

Brothers: Leo, Cole, Finn, Jude, Miles

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

T is for Tanna, our favorite little girl.

T is for Tanna…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Tanna's letter becomes Tanna's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Tanna's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Tanna mean?
The meaning of Tanna is uncertain. It may be a variant of Tana or derived from place names or other roots, but no single meaning is firmly established.
How popular is the name Tanna?
Tanna has never ranked in the US Top 1000. It reached its peak usage in 1979 and has been declining in use since around 1998.
Is Tanna a girl's name or a boy's name?
Tanna is primarily used as a girl's name.