MallowbyNames

Tanzania

tan-zuh-NEE-uh · Of uncertain origin; likely a modern coinage derived from the country name Tanzania, itself formed from Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

Peak popularity
1992
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Tanzania since 1968

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

132538198020002020Most births 1992Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s11
1970s161
1980s96
1990s282
2000s117
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Tanzania is an uncommon place-name used primarily for girls, first recorded in the United States in 1968. Its peak year was 1992, though it has never been among the top 1000 names. The name's trajectory has remained stable over the decades, with no significant revival or decline. As a modern coinage inspired by the African nation, it aligns with other geographic names like Kenya or Savannah. Its rarity and distinctive sound make it a unique choice for parents seeking an unconventional place name.

Tanzania is a modern given name inspired by the East African nation of the same name. The country's name is a portmanteau of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, coined at the time of their union in 1964. First recorded as a personal name in the United States in 1968, it reflects a pattern of place-name adoption for girls, similar to Kenya or Sahara. Its use peaked in 1992 and has remained rare but steady since.

Sibling names for Tanzania

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

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

T is for Tanzania, our favorite little girl.

T is for Tanzania…”

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

Make Tanzania's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Tanzania mean?
Tanzania is a place name, taken from the country in East Africa. It does not have a traditional etymological meaning in the sense of most given names.
How popular is the name Tanzania?
Tanzania is a very rare name. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1968 and reached its peak popularity in 1992. It has not ranked in the top 1000 names in recent years.
Is Tanzania a boy or girl name?
Tanzania is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.