Find out how popular the first name Tanza has been for the last 13 years (from 1974 to 1986) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tanza by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Tanza is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1986, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tanza.

The history of the first name Tanza

The name Tanza has its origins in the Bantu languages spoken in various regions of Africa. It is derived from the root word "tanz," which means "journey" or "travel." This linguistic connection suggests that the name Tanza may have been given to individuals who were travelers, explorers, or those who embarked on significant journeys during their lifetimes.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tanza can be found in ancient Swahili texts dating back to the 12th century. These texts mention a prominent trader named Tanza ibn Khalid, who traveled extensively along the East African coast, facilitating the exchange of goods and building economic ties between various coastal settlements.

In the 14th century, there are references to a female ruler named Tanza in the Kingdom of Kongo, located in present-day Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. She was known for her diplomatic skills and her efforts to strengthen trade relations with neighboring kingdoms.

During the 16th century, a renowned Islamic scholar and poet from what is now Somalia, Tanza al-Mogadishu, gained widespread recognition for his contributions to Sufi literature and mystical poetry. His works were widely circulated and studied throughout the region.

In the 18th century, a notable figure named Tanza Mvemba emerged as a powerful chief and military leader in the Kingdom of Kongo. He was instrumental in defending the kingdom against Portuguese colonization efforts and is remembered for his bravery and strategic leadership.

Another individual of historical significance was Tanza Malonga, a 19th-century explorer and cartographer from the Kingdom of Kongo. He embarked on numerous expeditions, mapping uncharted territories and contributing to the understanding of the region's geography and natural resources.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Tanza. While the name has its roots in African culture and languages, it has likely been adopted and used in various contexts across different parts of the world, reflecting the diverse journeys and travels of those who carried this 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 Tanza was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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