Taran is a name of Welsh origin, meaning "thunder." It is derived from the Welsh word "tarawn," which means thunderstorm. In Welsh mythology, Taran was known as the god of thunder and lightning. He was often depicted as a giant with a blue face, carrying a hammer. The name Taran has been used in Wales for centuries and continues to be popular today.
The name Taran first appeared in Welsh literature in the 12th century, in the story of Culhwch and Olwen. In this tale, Taran is described as a giant who guards the boar Twrch Trwyth. The name was also used by the poet Tudur Penllyngare in his works during the late 14th century.
In more recent times, the name Taran has been popularized by characters in literature and media. In Lloyd Alexander's "The Chronicles of Prydain," Taran is the protagonist who becomes an assistant pig-keeper but eventually becomes a hero. Additionally, Taran Windsor-Eton is a character in the British television series "Downton Abbey."
Overall, Taran is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history and meaning. Its Welsh origins give it a unique cultural heritage, while its association with thunder gives it a powerful and dynamic connotation.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Taran:
* The name Taran first appeared on the Social Security Administration's list of baby names in the United States in 1971, with only nine births recorded that year.
* The popularity of Taran fluctuated during its early years, with as few as five births recorded in some years (1972) and as many as sixteen births in others (1984).
* Starting from 1991, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Taran. That year saw 31 births, which was more than double the previous peak.
* The name Taran reached its peak popularity in the United States in 1992 with 117 recorded births that year.
* However, after reaching this peak, the popularity of Taran began to decline steadily. By 2005, there were only 36 births recorded, marking a significant decrease from the previous years.
* Since then, the number of babies named Taran has remained relatively stable, with between 25 and 48 births recorded each year until 2017.
* In recent years, the popularity of Taran has continued to decline. Between 2018 and 2023, there were fewer than 50 births recorded for this name each year, with a total of 269 births over these six years combined.
Overall, while Taran was once quite popular in the United States, its popularity has declined significantly in recent years.