Tanis

♂ Boy

Pronounced TAN-iss /ˈtæn.ɪs/Medium

Meaning: Tanis is best known as the Greek name of an ancient Egyptian city in the Nile delta; some connect it to the Phoenician-Punic goddess Tanit. As a given name its exact route is uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A place-name with old-world weight: Tanis was a great Egyptian city (said 'TAN-iss'). Its route into given-name use is uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowEgyptian, Greek

MeaningTanis is best known as the Greek name of an ancient Egyptian city in the Nile delta; some connect it to the Phoenician-Punic goddess Tanit. As a given name its exact route is uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#12142 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2000

Total births (all-time)≈ 535

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Tanis comes to us as the Greek name for an ancient Egyptian delta city, tied in some readings to the goddess Tanit. As a modern given name it is rare and evocative; its route is uncertain, which we note (said 'TAN-iss').

It appears only rarely as a boys' name in the U.S. Rare, ancient-flavored, and crisp.

Did you know? Tanis was one of ancient Egypt's capitals in the Nile delta — its royal tombs later yielded stunning treasures. As a name its route is uncertain, which we note (said 'TAN-iss').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Tanis — Greek name of ancient Egyptian city; goddess Tanit link; routes uncertain

Variations

TanysTannis

Nicknames

TanTannie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Explore names like Tanis

By themeuncertain place-name rare ancient

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Tanis mean?

Tanis is the Greek name of an ancient Egyptian city, sometimes tied to the goddess Tanit; its route into name use is uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Tanis?

It's said TAN-iss /ˈtæn.ɪs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Tanis a boy or girl name?

Here Tanis is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Tanis?

Tanis is a rare name for boys in the U.S.