Tana

“river”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#1197US 2023

1kBirths / yr

→Stable

9.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 192400.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Tana

TAH·NAH

/ˈtɑ.ˈnɑ/ · stress on TAH · 2 syllables

“river”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Tana mean and where does it come from?

The name Tana has multiple origins. In the United States, it is often considered a modern variation of other names like Tania. In Japanese, the name can refer to a term for a complaint or grievance. Tana is also the name of a river in Japan, which can add geographical significance. Notable people wi

Cultural significance

Tana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of river.

Peak popularity

Reached #655 in 1962 — currently #1197 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Tana?

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

Tana Grace

How popular is Tana right now?

Holding steady — currently #1197 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#1197 · Top 0.88%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1197	1,003	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1202	983	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1207	953	▲ up 5409 · +5506% births
2020	#6616	17	▲ up 681 · +6% births
2015	#7297	16	▼ down 2017 · -38% births
2010	#5280	26	▼ down 1807 · -40% births
2005	#3473	43	▼ down 1160 · -36% births
2000	#2313	67	▼ down 667 · -26% births
1995	#1646	90	▼ down 245 · -20% births
1990	#1401	113	▼ down 485 · -35% births
1985	#916	173	▲ up 39 · +11% births
1980	#955	156	▼ down 107 · -1% births
1975	#848	158	▼ down 127 · -24% births
1970	#721	209	▼ down 60 · -6% births
1965	#661	223	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tana

Best Year1965Rank #661

Peak Count1,003

Average Rank#2275

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1925 - 202322 years

The story of Tana

Tana entered American naming records in 1924 and has been in use for over 100 years. With 9,237 total births recorded, Tana remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4017 in 1925 to #1197 in 2023. Tana is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Tana in 1962:

Lisa Mary Susan Karen Linda

Tana by decade

Tana peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	25
1930s	28
1940s	880
1950s	1,480
1960s ★	2,063
1970s	1,736
1980s	1,482
1990s	885
2000s	464
2010s	177
2020s	17

💎With 9,237 total births, Tana is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Tana?

Common

TanTanieTany

What names sound and feel like Tana?

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

Lana

American · affectionate or sea

American · A derived name,

Tany

American · Fairy queen, from

Trana

American · To be long

Common questions about the name Tana

What does the name Tana mean?

Tana means "river" — a name rooted in American 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 Tana?

Tana 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 Tana?

Tana originates from American tradition. American 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 Tana?

Tana is a two-syllable name pronounced T AA1 N AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Tana a common or rare name?

Tana is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.