Find out how popular the first name Tawney has been for the last 31 years (from 1975 to 2005) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tawney by gender

Based on the last 31 years of data, Tawney is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2005, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tawney.

The history of the first name Tawney

The name Tawney is an English name with origins in the Middle English language. It is derived from the Old English word "tawny," which means "brownish-orange" or "tanned." This word was used to describe the color of leather or fur.

During the Middle Ages, the name Tawney was likely used as a descriptive nickname for someone with a tanned complexion or reddish-brown hair color. It may have also referred to someone who worked with leather or fur, such as a tanner or furrier.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Tawney is found in the 14th century English poem "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer. In the tale of the "Miller's Tale," there is a character named Alisoun, who is described as having "tawny hair."

In the 16th century, the name Tawney appears in historical records as a given name. One notable example is Tawney Revell, an English merchant and explorer who lived from 1505 to 1575. He is known for his voyages to the West Indies and his involvement in the slave trade.

Another historical figure with the name Tawney is Tawney Allertoun, an English Puritan minister who lived from 1617 to 1677. He was a prominent figure in the English Civil War and was known for his fiery sermons against the Church of England.

In the 18th century, Tawney Priscilla Wakefield was an English author and educator who lived from 1751 to 1832. She wrote several books on education and was a pioneer in the field of children's literature.

In the 19th century, Tawney Edna Ferber was an American novelist and playwright who lived from 1885 to 1968. She is best known for her novels "Show Boat" and "Giant," which were both adapted into successful films.

Another notable figure with the name Tawney is Tawney Richard Henry Tawney, a British economic historian and social critic who lived from 1880 to 1962. He was a prominent figure in the Labour Party and wrote extensively on the history of economic thought and the role of religion in society.

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

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

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