What does Tannis mean and where does it come from?
Tannis varies in use and popularity, particularly in North America. It can be considered a variation of Tanis, which has Gaelic roots. Tannis is not overly common but has been embraced for its unique and soft sound, bringing a touch of modernity to traditional naming conventions.
Cultural significance
Tannis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a modern name that may derive from the name tanis, associated with 'a valley' or 'follower of the tanis'..
Peak popularity
Reached #4158 in 1962 — currently #1649 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tannis?
Tannis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tannis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tannis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tannis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tannis Claire
French influence · crisp
Tannis Jane
Literary · strong
Tannis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tannis right now?
Holding steady — currently #1649 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1649 | 551 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1654 | 531 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1659 | 501 | ▲ up 10337 · +6163% births |
| 2005 | #11996 | 8 | ▲ up 1718 · +60% births |
| 1995 | #13714 | 5 | ▼ down 4278 · -37% births |
| 1990 | #9436 | 8 | ▲ up 1330 · +60% births |
| 1980 | #10766 | 5 | ▼ down 4075 · -37% births |
| 1975 | #6691 | 8 | ▲ up 702 · +33% births |
| 1970 | #7393 | 6 | ▼ down 445 · +20% births |
| 1965 | #6948 | 5 | ▼ down 2498 · -17% births |
| 1945 | #4450 | 6 | — |
The story of Tannis
Tannis entered American naming records in 1941 and has been in use for over 83 years. With 322 total births recorded, Tannis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4450 in 1945 to #1649 in 2023. Tannis is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tannis in 1962:
Tannis by decade
Tannis peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 29 | |
| 1950s | 34 | |
| 1960s | 58 | |
| 1970s ★ | 83 | |
| 1980s | 48 | |
| 1990s | 52 | |
| 2000s | 18 | |
💎Tannis has only 322 total recorded births since 1941 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tannis?
What names sound and feel like Tannis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tannis also consider these
Common questions about the name Tannis
What does the name Tannis mean?
Tannis means "A modern name that may derive from the name Tanis, associated with 'a valley' or 'follower of the Tanis'." — 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 Tannis?
Tannis 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 Tannis?
Tannis 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 Tannis?
Tannis is a two-syllable name pronounced T AE1 N IH0 Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tannis a common or rare name?
Tannis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.