Tana is a name of Greek origin and means "from the land of Zeus." It is derived from the ancient region of Thrace in Greece, which was once ruled by King Tantalus, after whom Mount Tantalus was named.
The name Tana is believed to have originated as a shortened form of Thana or Thanaos, which were common Greek names in ancient times. These names were likely derived from the Greek word "thánatos," meaning death. However, despite its origins, Tana does not have any negative connotations associated with it.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Tana. One of the most famous was Saint Tana of Orleans, a 7th-century French saint who is believed to have performed many miracles. Her feast day is celebrated on October 12th.
Today, Tana continues to be used as both a given name and a surname around the world. While it may not be as commonly used as some other names, its unique origins and rich history make it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a meaningful name for their child.
The name Tana has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States. In the early years of record-keeping, from 1924 to 1938, there were fewer than 10 births each year with this name. However, starting in 1940, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Tana.
The peak of popularity for this name came during the mid-20th century. In 1959, there were 195 births, and by 1962, this number had increased to 241 births. This trend continued throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, with over 200 births each year between 1960 and 1973.
However, like many names, Tana's popularity began to decline in the late 1970s. By 1980, there were only 155 births, and this number continued to decrease throughout the rest of the century. In the year 2000, there were just 67 babies named Tana.
This downward trend has continued into the 21st century. Between 2001 and 2022, there have been fewer than 50 births each year with this name, with a total of 9256 births over the entire period from 1924 to 2022. Despite this decline in popularity, Tana remains a unique and recognizable name choice for parents looking for something distinctive for their daughters.