What does Tarzan mean and where does it come from?
Tarzan is a fictional character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, first appearing in the 1912 novel 'Tarzan of the Apes.' The name itself is derived from the fictional language invented by Burroughs, meaning 'white skin.' Tarzan has become synonymous with adventure and the wild, represented in numero
Cultural significance
Tarzan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of white skin.
Peak popularity
Reached #10555 in 2025 — currently #10555 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Tarzan?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Tarzan?
Tarzan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tarzan Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Tarzan John
One syllable · timeless choice
Tarzan Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Tarzan Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Tarzan Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Tarzan Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Tarzan right now?
Rising fast — up 3459 spots — currently #10555 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #10555 | 7 | ▲ up 3459 · +40% births |
| 2024 | #14014 | 5 | ▼ down 12148 · -99% births |
| 2023 | #1866 | 334 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #1871 | 314 | ▲ up 5 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #1876 | 284 | — |
The story of Tarzan
Tarzan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2007. With 10 total births recorded, Tarzan remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1876 in 2021 to #1866 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tarzan in 2025:
💎Tarzan has only 10 total recorded births since 2007 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tarzan?
What names sound and feel like Tarzan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tarzan also consider these
Common questions about the name Tarzan
What does the name Tarzan mean?
Tarzan means "white skin" — 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 Tarzan?
Tarzan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Tarzan?
Tarzan 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 Tarzan?
Tarzan is a two-syllable name pronounced TAH-rzan. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tarzan a common or rare name?
Tarzan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.