Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Tanner
BoyEnglish· “leather tanner”
- Meaning
- leather tanner
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- TA-nur
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #475
- US babies 2025
- 641
- Best rank
- #82 (1997)
- Peak year
- 1998
Meaning and origin of Tanner
Tanner is an English name that means “leather tanner”.
Tanner is an English occupational surname for a person who tanned animal hides into leather. The word comes from the Old English tannere, related to the tannin-rich bark used in the process. Occupational names such as Tanner, Cooper, Carter and Mason have become popular as first names in the United States, where they are appreciated for their down-to-earth, hardworking image. Tanner has a friendly, athletic sound and was especially popular in the late twentieth century. Tan is a possible nickname. It pairs easily with classic middle names.
Popularity over time
Tanner first appears in US Social Security records in 1913. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 50 different years, starting in 1976. Its best national rank was #82 in 1997, and the most babies received it in 1998, when 4,704 were named Tanner. In 2025, 641 babies were named Tanner, and it ranked #475 nationally. That is 63% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,998 in 1950, #477 in 1980, #93 in 2000, #176 in 2010, and #475 in 2025. Of the 97,625 US boys named Tanner since records began, 38% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 31,681 babies. Since 2010, 21,930 more have been named Tanner.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Spencer, Dalton, Antonio, Brendan, and Grant.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Tanner ranked highest in New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Utah.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | #185 | 8 |
| West Virginia | #250 | 8 |
| Utah | #325 | 15 |
| Mississippi | #329 | 10 |
| Pennsylvania | #331 | 34 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Tanner over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Tanner is usually pronounced TA-nur, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with T and ends in “-er”.
Middle names for Tanner
A few middle names that flow with Tanner: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Tanner
Similar names
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Lists that include Tanner
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Tanner mean?
Tanner is an English name that means “leather tanner”.
What is the origin of the name Tanner?
Tanner has English roots. Tanner is an English occupational surname for a person who tanned animal hides into leather.
Is Tanner a popular name?
Yes. Tanner ranked #475 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Tanner a boy or girl name?
Tanner is mainly a boy's name. About 97% of US babies named Tanner over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Tanner?
Tanner is usually pronounced TA-nur. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings