Find out how popular the first name Tanah has been for the last 11 years (from 1997 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tanah by gender

Based on the last 11 years of data, Tanah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tanah.

The history of the first name Tanah

The name Tanah is derived from the Indonesian language and has its roots in the Malay Archipelago, stretching from the islands of Sumatra and Java to the Philippines and beyond. The name itself translates to "land" or "earth" in Indonesian, reflecting the deep connection between the people of this region and the fertile soil that sustained their way of life.

In ancient Hindu texts and inscriptions found in Indonesia, the word "tanah" is often mentioned in reference to the bountiful lands that were integral to the agricultural societies of the time. This suggests that the name Tanah may have been used as a symbolic representation of the Earth's abundance and fertility, a name bestowed upon children as a wish for prosperity and abundance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tanah can be found in the Nagarakretagama, a 14th-century Javanese prose work commissioned by the Majapahit Empire. This epic poem chronicles the reign of King Hayam Wuruk and mentions a high-ranking official named Tanah Gede, suggesting that the name was in use among the aristocracy of the time.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Tanah. One such individual was Tanah Malaka (1370-1459), a renowned Sumatran explorer and adventurer who is credited with establishing the Malacca Sultanate, a powerful maritime empire that controlled the strategic Strait of Malacca.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Tanah Abang (1811-1876), a Javanese prince and military leader who played a crucial role in the Java War, a major conflict between the Dutch colonial forces and the indigenous Javanese population in the mid-19th century.

In the realm of literature, Tanah Amin (1923-2007) was an acclaimed Indonesian poet and writer who gained recognition for his poignant works that explored themes of identity, culture, and the human condition. His poetry collection, "Tanah Air" (Homeland), is considered a masterpiece of modern Indonesian literature.

Tanah Ngasim (1878-1934) was a pioneering Sundanese musician and composer who helped preserve and promote the traditional music of West Java. His compositions, such as the iconic "Tari Jaipong," remain an integral part of Sundanese cultural heritage.

Finally, Tanah Kusumah (1899-1971) was a prominent Indonesian nationalist and political figure who played a pivotal role in the country's struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. He served as the Minister of Home Affairs in the first cabinet of independent Indonesia and was widely respected for his dedication to the cause of national sovereignty.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Tanah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Tanah, please contact us.

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