What does Tangerine mean and where does it come from?
The name Tangerine is derived from the bright orange citrus fruit, which is known for its sweet and tangy flavor. It became popular in the United States in the 20th century as a unique and fruity name, often associated with vibrancy and freshness. The use of fruit names as first names became more fa
Cultural significance
Tangerine has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #5800 in 1972 — currently #566 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tangerine?
Tangerine works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tangerine Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tangerine Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tangerine Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tangerine Claire
French influence · crisp
Tangerine Jane
Literary · strong
Tangerine Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tangerine right now?
Holding steady — currently #566 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #566 | 1,634 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #571 | 1,614 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #576 | 1,584 | ▲ up 13312 · +31580% births |
| 1995 | #13888 | 5 | — |
The story of Tangerine
Tangerine is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1963. With 39 total births recorded, Tangerine remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13888 in 1995 to #566 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tangerine in 1972:
Tangerine by decade
Tangerine peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 12 | |
| 1970s ★ | 22 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
💎Tangerine has only 39 total recorded births since 1963 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tangerine?
What names sound and feel like Tangerine?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tangerine also consider these
Common questions about the name Tangerine
What does the name Tangerine mean?
Tangerine means "English" — 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 Tangerine?
Tangerine is currently ranked #566 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Tangerine?
Tangerine 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 Tangerine?
Tangerine is a three-syllable name pronounced T AE2 N JH ER0 IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Tangerine?
Tangerine pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.