Declining since 1998.
Popularity of Tanna since 1943
Babies named Tanna per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 170 |
| 1950s | 327 |
| 1960s | 482 |
| 1970s | 455 |
| 1980s | 621 |
| 1990s | 601 |
| 2000s | 430 |
| 2010s | 121 |
| 2020s | 29 |
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.

