Origin
Old French origin, from the word 'tanner' meaning 'leather worker', historically used as an occupational surname across English-speaking countries, including Australia. The surname was adopted as a given name in modern times.
Meaning
Literal meaning 'leather worker' or 'maker of tanned hides'. In Australian English contexts, it connotes craftsmanship, resilience, and rugged outdoor work.
Pronunciation
/ˈtænər/ (tann-er) with stress on the first syllable in Australian English pronunciation, rhyming with 'anner' in 'ganner'.'','variants':['Tanner (English)'],
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Tanner (English)
- Tannor (less common)
- Tanneri (rare, invented variation)
Nicknames
- Tan
- Tanny
- Tano
Name Days
- 3 December (St. Francis Xavier, who is associated with leather and trade in some Christian calendars)
- None widely observed in Australia, as name days are not commonly celebrated.
- Rā Whānau (Māori) - Family day celebrating genealogical ties
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with tanner:
- Jack and Tanner
- Benjamin and Tanner
- Oliver and Tanner
Fun Facts
- The name Tanner became popular as a given name in Australia during the late 20th century, partly influenced by surnames becoming first names.
- In Australian country towns, the surname Tanner is associated with historical trades and early settlers involved in leather craftsmanship.
- Australian rules footballer Tanner Bruhn is a notable contemporary bearer of the name.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name tanner:
- Resilient
- Hardworking
- Down-to-earth
- Reliable
Aesthetic Qualities
Strong and straightforward visual appearance with balanced letterforms, appealing in both casual and formal contexts within Australian culture, often associated with traditional masculinity.
Geographical Distribution
Most common in New South Wales and Victoria, but found throughout urban and rural areas, especially where heritage surnames are embraced as first names.
Numerological Significance
Name number 8 in numerology, symbolising power, ambition, and material success, resonant with Australian cultural values of resilience and achievement.
Astrological Connections
Associated with the zodiac sign Scorpio or Capricorn if considering name numerology and birth dates, emphasizing traits like determination and discipline.
Historical Context
Many Australian historical figures with the surname Tanner include politicians, settlers, and tradespeople from the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Australian literature and media, the name has been used for characters symbolising strength and grit.
Linguistic Adaptability
Easily adaptable across English-speaking countries; retains its form in most languages, with minor phonetic adjustments in non-English scripts such as Cyrillic, Chinese, or Japanese.
Famous People Named tanner
- Tanner Bruce (Australian Rules Footballer)
- Tanner Gillett (Surfer)
- Tanner Caldecott (Artist)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 1 |
2017 | 6 |
2016 | 4 |
2015 | 6 |
2014 | 4 |