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

Popularity of Tanner by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Tanner is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Tanner being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 720 male babies and 50 female babies born with the name Tanner.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 50 baby girls were named Tanner in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Tanner

The given name Tanner has its origins in the English language and is derived from the occupational surname "tanner," which refers to a person who tanned hides and skins for a living. The name can be traced back to the Middle English word "tannere," which in turn comes from the Old French word "taneor," meaning "one who tans hides."

The tanning profession has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations where animal hides were used for clothing, shelter, and various other purposes. The process of tanning, which involves treating skins to prevent them from decomposing, was an essential skill that allowed for the preservation and utilization of these valuable materials.

While the name Tanner does not have any direct historical references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is closely linked to the development of the leather industry, which played a significant role in the economic and cultural life of many societies throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Tanner can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of land and property in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The book mentions several individuals with the surname "Tannere" or "Tannur," indicating that the occupation of tanning was well-established in England at that time.

Over the centuries, various notable individuals have borne the first name Tanner, contributing to its enduring legacy. Here are five examples:

1. Tanner Houck (born 1996) is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball.

2. Tanner Foust (born 1973) is an American professional racing driver and television host, known for his appearances on various motorsports shows and his successful rallycross career.

3. Tanner Pearson (born 1992) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who currently plays for the Vancouver Canucks in the National Hockey League.

4. Tanner Muse (born 1997) is an American football safety who was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 NFL Draft.

5. Tanner Eberle (born 1992) is a Canadian singer-songwriter and record producer, best known for his work in the pop and electronic music genres.

These individuals, spanning various fields and eras, have helped to shape and perpetuate the legacy of the given name Tanner, ensuring its continued relevance and recognition across diverse cultural landscapes.

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

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

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