Tanner is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. The name Tanner derives from an occupational surname that was originally given to tanners, individuals who process animal hides into leather. This profession has been in existence since ancient times and played a significant role in various societies due to the importance of leather for clothing and other essential items.
The surname Tanner is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, with early records dating back to the 13th century. As people migrated from England to other parts of the world, they carried their surnames with them, contributing to the global dispersion of the name Tanner.
In some cases, Tanner has also been used as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Australia. Although it is not as common as many other names, Tanner still appears on baby naming lists from time to time, appealing to parents who seek distinctive and meaningful names for their children.
The meaning behind the name Tanner is connected to its occupational origins. It signifies strength, craftsmanship, and resilience, as tanning animal hides required physical effort and skill. These qualities may be seen as attributes that a person named Tanner might embody, regardless of whether they actually work in the tanning profession or not.
In literature and popular culture, the name Tanner has been used in various contexts, further contributing to its familiarity and recognition. Some notable examples include characters from books like "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway and movies such as "Tanner '88," a political satire film directed by Robert Altman.
Overall, the name Tanner is an intriguing choice for parents looking for a name that combines uniqueness with historical significance and meaningful symbolism. Its connection to the age-old craft of tanning makes it a fitting option for those who appreciate names with deep roots in history and tradition.
The name Tanner has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past four decades in the United States. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, there were fewer than ten births per year with the name Tanner. However, starting in 1991, there was a substantial increase in popularity, with the number of annual births reaching triple digits for the first time that year.
The peak of popularity for the name Tanner occurred between 1993 and 2000, with over one hundred births each year during this period. The highest number of births recorded in any single year was in 1997, with a total of 123 babies named Tanner. This period of high popularity may have been influenced by the success of the television show "Saved by the Bell," which featured a character named A.C. Slater whose real name was revealed to be Tanner.
After the peak in popularity, the number of births with the name Tanner began to decline steadily. Between 2001 and 2023, the number of annual births has ranged from a low of 44 in both 2019 and 2020 to a high of 51 in 2021 and again in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 2,447 babies named Tanner born in the United States since 1979.
Despite the fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Tanner remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and distinctive name for their baby boy.