Find out how popular the first name Tanna has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tanna by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Tanna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tanna.

The history of the first name Tanna

The name Tanna has its origins in the Sanskrit language, which was the classical language of ancient India. It first emerged around the 5th century BCE, during the Vedic period of Indian history. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "tanu," which means "small" or "thin." It was likely initially used as a descriptive term for a slender or petite individual.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tanna can be found in the Hindu sacred texts known as the Vedas, specifically in the Rigveda, which dates back to around 1500-1000 BCE. In these ancient scriptures, Tanna is mentioned as the name of a minor deity associated with the sun and its rays.

During the medieval period in India, the name Tanna gained popularity among certain Hindu communities, particularly in the northern and central regions of the subcontinent. It was often bestowed upon children as a mark of respect for the ancient Vedic traditions and as a way to invoke blessings of good health and vitality.

One of the earliest historical figures known to bear the name Tanna was Tanna ben Valens, a Jewish scholar and Talmudic authority who lived in the 4th century CE. He was a prominent figure in the Babylonian Jewish community and made significant contributions to the development of Jewish law and tradition.

Another notable figure was Tanna Shan, a Chinese Buddhist monk who lived during the 6th century CE. He is credited with introducing the practice of Buddhism to Japan and is revered as one of the founding fathers of Japanese Buddhism.

In more recent times, the name Tanna has been associated with several influential individuals. Tanna Tuva Novotny was a Swedish actress and model who rose to prominence in the 1990s, known for her roles in films such as "Hollow Man" and "The Banger Sisters."

Tanna Frederick is an American actress and filmmaker, born in 1979, who has starred in numerous independent films and television shows. She is also a philanthropist and founder of the non-profit organization Project Save Our Surf.

Tanna Innē, born in 1992, is a Swedish pop singer and songwriter who has achieved commercial success in her home country and across Scandinavia with her catchy pop tunes and powerful vocals.

While the name Tanna may have its roots in ancient Sanskrit and Hindu traditions, it has transcended cultural boundaries and gained recognition across various parts of the world, making it a unique and intriguing choice for a given name.

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 Tanna was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!