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Tanner

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Tanner Pronunciation

Tanner is pronounced TAN-er /ˈtænər/High

Meaning: From Old English 'tannere', an occupational name for a leather tanner; transferred as a surname and later as a given name with a strong, modern feel.High

In 30 seconds: An Old English occupational surname meaning 'leather tanner', now used as a confident unisex given name, especially for girls in the US.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningFrom Old English 'tannere', an occupational name for a leather tanner; transferred as a surname and later as a given name with a strong, modern feel.

U.S. rank (2024)#3158 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births51 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1998

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,498

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Tanner is an English occupational surname derived from Old English tannere, referring to a craftsperson who tanned animal hides to produce leather. Like many surname-derived given names — Taylor, Cooper, Fletcher — Tanner migrated from last name to first name in the 19th and 20th centuries. The occupation itself has roots in ancient times: tanned leather artefacts have been found in archaeological sites dating back thousands of years.

In the United States, Tanner gained popularity as a masculine given name in the 1980s and 1990s, partly through the character Tanner in the TV series Full House. In the 21st century it has begun crossing over as a girl's name, part of a broader trend of using traditionally male surnames for girls — joining names like Riley, Avery, and Harper in that category.

Did you know? Tanners were essential craftspeople in medieval towns — leather was used for shoes, armour, saddles, and book bindings — yet the trade was famously malodorous, so tanneries were required by law to be built at the edge of settlements.

Overall data confidence 95%

Reaney & Wilson – A Dictionary of English Surnames — Documents Tanner as an Old English occupational surname from 'tannere'.Social Security Administration Name Database — Tracks Tanner's use as a given name for both sexes in the US.

Variations

TannarTannor

Nicknames

TanTanny

Famous Bearers

★Tanner Buchanan (1998–present)
American actor known for playing Robby Keene in the series 'Cobra Kai'.

If you like Tanner…

Tommie— Traditionally masculine names embraced for girls

Baileigh— Surname-style names popular for girls in the US

Cambri— Modern unisex names with an energetic sound

Spencer— shares the -er ending

Ryder— shares Tanner's English roots

→ See all names like Tanner

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Tanner?

Tanner is pronounced TAN-er (/ˈtænər/). Press play above to hear Tanner said aloud.

How do you say Tanner?

Tanner is said TAN-er (/ˈtænər/). Press play above to hear Tanner said aloud.

What does the name Tanner mean?

Tanner means 'one who tans leather', an Old English occupational surname that has become a confident, modern given name.

Is Tanner a boy or girl name?

Tanner is traditionally a masculine name but is increasingly used for girls in the United States, following the trend of surname-style names for girls.

How popular is Tanner?

Tanner was popular as a boy's name in the 1990s in the US and is now an emerging choice for girls, valued for its strong, modern sound.