
Tanner is a cute baby name that feels rustic and can be used for boys or girls. Though originally an occupational surname, it has spent time on the top 100 list. The baby name has declined some in more recent years, but it is still a great choice for a boy or girl.
Meaning of the name Tanner:
English: leatherworker, “one who tans hides”
Origin of the name Tanner:
The baby name Tanner began as an English surname in the Middle Ages. It was reserved as a name for families with a man who worked in the leather-working industry. In modern times, as of the 1970s, the name became a popular first name.
Symbolism of the name Tanner:
Tanner means “one who tans hides” or “leather worker” as it is an occupational surname to start. The first name simply retains the meaning that the surname originally had in historical England.

Style of the name Tanner:
Traditional
Gender of the name Tanner:
Tanner is a name that is used for both boys and girls.
Pronunciation of the name Tanner:
TAN-er
Number of syllables in the name Tanner:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Tanner:
Tanner feels informal and young. It is rustic and rough around the edges too.
Alternative spellings for the name Tanner:
- Tannor
- Tannar
Nicknames for the name Tanner:
- Tanny
- Tan Tan
- Tae
- Tee
- Tanney
- Tanni
Popularity of the name Tanner:
The baby name Tanner was put on the Social Security Popularity Index in 1976 at number 976. It rose to the top 200 list in 1991 and to the top 100 list in 1993. It remained a top 100 name until 200, reaching number 82 overall in 1997 and 1998. In 2020, the name ranked at number 333.
Related names for the name Tanner:
Great middle names for Tanner and their meanings:
- Curry (hill hollow)
- Thorne (thorn bush)
- Lucas (bright, shining)
- Samuel (God has heard)
- Gabriel (God is my strength)
- Lindsay (island of linden trees)
- Marie (star of the sea)
Famous people with the name Tanner:
- Tanner Foust (racecar driver)
- Tanner Glass (professional hockey player)
- Tanner Howe (songwriter for Disco Curtis)
- Tanner Richie (actor, “Mrs. Marshall”)
- Tanner Maguire (actor, “Letters to God”)
- Tanner Pearson (professional hockey player)
- Tanner Scheppers (MLB player, Texas Rangers)