Tan

“to obscure, to hide”

China origin · Unisex name

♂ 98% boys♀ 2% girls

#1896US 2023

304Births / yr

→Stable

597All-time births

📅 Since 197900

How to pronounce Tan

TAN

/ˈtæn/ · stress on TAN · 1 syllable

“to obscure, to hide”

China origin · Unisex name

What does Tan mean and where does it come from?

Tan is a female name found in both Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. In Chinese, it can mean 'to obscure' or 'to hide', while in Vietnamese it can imply 'golden' or 'fair', signifying beauty and grace. The name is particularly popular in Vietnam, where variations like Tân may also be used. In Chinese

Cultural significance

Tan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in China-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to obscure, to hide.

Peak popularity

Reached #10067 in 1980 — currently #1896 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Tan?

Tan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Tan Grace

How popular is Tan right now?

Holding steady — currently #1896 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#1896 · Top 1.4%

1980

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1896	304	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2022	#1901	284	▲ up 5 · +12% births
2021	#1906	254	▲ up 8161 · +4133% births
1980	#10067	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tan

Best Year2023Rank #1896

Peak Count304

Average Rank#3943

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1980 - 20234 years

The story of Tan

Tan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. With 597 total births recorded, Tan remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10067 in 1980 to #1896 in 2023. Tan is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.

Names that peaked alongside Tan in 1980:

Jennifer Amanda Jessica Melissa Sarah

Tan by decade

Tan peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	44
1980s ★	208
1990s	178
2000s	120
2010s	47

💎Tan has only 597 total recorded births since 1979 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Tan?

Common

TanieTany

What names sound and feel like Tan?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tan also consider these

USA · Strong; a large

Tany

American · Fairy queen, from

American · Limited or small

Common questions about the name Tan

What does the name Tan mean?

Tan means "to obscure, to hide" — a name rooted in China tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Tan?

Tan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Tan?

Tan originates from China tradition. China names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Tan?

Tan is a one-syllable name pronounced T AE1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Tan sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Tan flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Tan ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.