Holding steady.
Popularity of Tannis since 1941
Babies named Tannis per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 29 |
| 1950s | 34 |
| 1960s | 58 |
| 1970s | 83 |
| 1980s | 48 |
| 1990s | 52 |
| 2000s | 13 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Tannis is a rare and intriguing name that first appeared in United States records in 1941. Its exact origins are uncertain, but it is likely a modern coinage, possibly inspired by the ancient city of Tanis in Egypt or as a female form of the surname Tann, which has Germanic roots meaning 'oak tree'. The name saw its peak year of usage in 1974, yet it has never broken into the top 1000 rankings. Over the decades, its trajectory has remained stable, indicating a consistent but very low level of use. Tannis is considered unisex, given to both boys and girls, though it is slightly more common for girls. Despite its obscurity, the name carries a soft, melodic sound and a touch of historical mystery, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive.
Tannis first appeared in the United States in the 1940s, likely as a modern coinage influenced by the ancient city of Tanis (Greek name for Djanet in Egypt) or as a feminine variant of the surname Tann, meaning 'oak tree' in Germanic roots. It gained modest use in the 1970s, peaking in 1974, and has remained a rare but steady choice, used for both sexes though more often for girls.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tan, Tanny, Nis
Variants: Tanis, Tannice, Tanees
Sibling names for Tannis
Names that share Tannis's style, for a brother or sister.
