Tarrant is an uncommon English surname and given name that has been used for both boys and girls in recent years. Its origin can be traced back to medieval England, where it was derived from a place name, specifically the parish of Tarrant in Dorsetshire. The name means "settlement with a round hill" or "round hill settlement," which comes from the Old English words "torr" meaning "hill" and "-ant" signifying "settlement."
The name Tarrant has been passed down through generations and has gained popularity as a given name in recent times. Despite its medieval origins, there is no significant historical figure or event associated with the name Tarrant. However, it has been used by notable individuals such as American actress Emily Tarrant, who was active during the silent film era.
In literature, the name Tarrant appears in several works, including "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson, where one of the characters is named Tarrant. Additionally, there have been references to the name Tarrant in various forms of media, such as music and film, further contributing to its recognition and popularity today.
Overall, the name Tarrant has an intriguing historical background rooted in medieval England while also having modern relevance through its use by notable individuals and appearances in popular culture. Its meaning adds a unique touch, suggesting a connection to nature and settlement, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking distinctive yet meaningful names for their children.
The name Tarrant has seen a varied number of births over the years in the United States, with some periods seeing more popularity than others.
In the early 70s, there were 6 births recorded for the name Tarrant in 1972 and then 5 births each in the following two years. After nearly two decades without any notable occurrences, there was a resurgence in popularity with 5 births each in 1990, 1992, and 1996. The year 1998 saw an increase again with 8 births.
After another span of several years, there were once again 5 births recorded for the name Tarrant in the United States in 2016. In total, over these years, there have been 44 births recorded for the name Tarrant across the country.