What does Tanna mean and where does it come from?
Tanna is derived from the Irish meaning 'fire' or is linked to 'Tan', often associated with warmth and passion. The name has also been connected to 'Tanya', making it a variant that has gained some recognition since the late 20th century, particularly in the United States. Tanna reflects a vibrant a
Cultural significance
Tanna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of fire.
Peak popularity
Reached #1359 in 1979 — currently #17352 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Tanna?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Tanna?
Tanna works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tanna Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tanna Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tanna Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tanna Claire
French influence · crisp
Tanna Jane
Literary · strong
Tanna Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tanna right now?
Falling — down 6206 spots — currently #17352 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #17352 | 5 | ▼ down 6206 · -44% births |
| 2022 | #11146 | 9 | ▲ up 2185 · +29% births |
| 2021 | #13331 | 7 | ▲ up 209 · +17% births |
| 2020 | #13540 | 6 | ▼ down 6232 · -62% births |
| 2015 | #7308 | 16 | ▼ down 1081 · -24% births |
| 2010 | #6227 | 21 | ▼ down 2858 · -53% births |
| 2005 | #3369 | 45 | ▼ down 851 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #2518 | 60 | ▼ down 23 · +18% births |
| 1995 | #2495 | 51 | ▼ down 568 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #1927 | 72 | ▼ down 244 · +4% births |
| 1985 | #1683 | 69 | ▼ down 193 · -15% births |
| 1980 | #1490 | 81 | ▲ up 592 · +93% births |
| 1975 | #2082 | 42 | ▼ down 211 · -11% births |
| 1970 | #1871 | 47 | ▼ down 282 · -6% births |
| 1965 | #1589 | 50 | — |
The story of Tanna
Tanna entered American naming records in 1943 and has been in use for over 81 years. With 3,213 total births recorded, Tanna remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2057 in 1945, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #17352 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tanna in 1979:
Tanna by decade
Tanna peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 170 | |
| 1950s | 327 | |
| 1960s | 482 | |
| 1970s | 455 | |
| 1980s ★ | 621 | |
| 1990s | 601 | |
| 2000s | 430 | |
| 2010s | 121 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎With 3,213 total births, Tanna is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tanna?
Famous people named Tanna
T(
Tanna (Irish poet or writer)
Tanna used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
T(
Tanna (Irish saint)
Tanna helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
T(
Tanna (Irish poet or writer)
Tanna used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
T(
Tanna (Irish revolutionary)
Tanna carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Tanna?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tanna also consider these
Common questions about the name Tanna
What does the name Tanna mean?
Tanna means "Fire" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Tanna?
Tanna is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Tanna?
Tanna originates from Irish tradition. Irish 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 Tanna?
Tanna is a two-syllable name pronounced T AE1 N N AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tanna a common or rare name?
Tanna is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.