Declining since 1998, #475 for boys today.
Popularity of Tanner since 1913
Babies named Tanner per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 21 |
| 1920s | 22 |
| 1930s | 7 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 8 |
| 1960s | 53 |
| 1970s | 817 |
| 1980s | 5,694 |
| 1990s | 37,392 |
| 2000s | 31,681 |
| 2010s | 17,185 |
| 2020s | 4,745 |
Meaning & origin
Tanner is an English occupational surname turned given name, evoking a rugged, hands-on image. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1913, but its real surge began in the late 1980s, peaking at rank 69 in 1997. Since 1998, however, its popularity has been steadily declining; by 2025 it sits at rank 475, with about 1 in 2,665 boys receiving the name. Geographically, it has been most popular in New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Mississippi. The name fits a pattern of surname-style first names (e.g., Cooper, Hunter, Carter) that were especially fashionable in the 1990s and 2000s. Though less common now, Tanner remains a familiar choice with a clear occupational heritage and a straightforward sound.
Tanner is an English occupational surname derived from the Old English word 'tannere', referring to someone who tans animal hides into leather. As a given name, it gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, and peaked in the 1990s.
Where Tanner is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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: Tan, Tanny, T
Sibling names for Tanner
Names that share Tanner's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mackenzie, Paige, Kelsey, Morgan, Haley, Harley, Dakotah, Arizona, Blayke, Brayleigh, Chesney, Reegan, Cheyene, Mesa, Talynn, Bristal, Burgandy, Jasslyn, Kenzee, Koryn, Lanee, Leather, Mackinley, Rhegan, Stormey, Troi, Cystal, Dacotah, Mckinzi, Tamalyn, Tanara, Tynleigh
Brothers: Dalton, Cooper, Carter, Hunter, Parker, Austin, Cody, Bridger, Crosby, Darien, Dekota, Fisher, Jennings, Shelton, Breckin, Chancellor, Dakoda, Dallin, Leeland, Quincey, Rowdy, Colbey, Roper, Tallon, Taner, Treavor, Tydus, Whitaker, Brodi, Jenner, Randen, Rutledge, Tannon, Wilkes, Bingham, Braedin, Channin, Colbe, Dryden, Kodiak, Miken
Names like Tanner
Names whose popularity has moved with Tanner's over the last 50 years.
