Tan
Every Tan since 1976 — 597 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Tan
Tan is not currently in use for newborns in the United States — fewer than five babies received the name in 2025. Its story lives in the historical record below.
Since 1976, 597 American babies have been named Tan. Its peak came in 1985, when 29 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1980s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Tan stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Tan year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | — | — | — | — |
| 2019 | — | — | 8 | #9,639 |
| 2018 | — | — | 7 | #10,611 |
| 2017 | — | — | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | 7 | #10,598 |
| 2012 | — | — | 8 | #9,600 |
| 2011 | — | — | 6 | #12,099 |
| 2010 | — | — | 11 | #7,518 |
| 2009 | — | — | 9 | #8,908 |
| 2008 | — | — | — | — |
| 2007 | — | — | 16 | #5,641 |
| 2006 | — | — | 12 | #6,857 |
| 2005 | — | — | 9 | #8,221 |
| 2004 | — | — | 16 | #5,219 |
| 2003 | — | — | 12 | #6,209 |
| 2002 | — | — | 19 | #4,306 |
| 2001 | — | — | 18 | #4,450 |
| 2000 | — | — | 9 | #7,336 |
| 1995 | — | — | 15 | #4,247 |
| 1990 | — | — | 26 | #2,620 |
| 1985 | — | — | 29 | #2,010 |
| 1980 | 6 | #10,243 | 18 | #2,719 |
| 1975 | — | — | — | — |
| 1970 | — | — | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — | — | — |
Famous people named Tan
- Tan Sitong Philosopher · 1865–1898
- Tan Malaka Politician · 1897–1949
- Tan Dun Composer · b. 1957
- Tan Zhongyi Chess player · b. 1991
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Tan in 2025?
Tan did not appear in the 2025 Social Security data, which means fewer than five babies received the name that year.
How many people are named Tan?
597 babies have been named Tan in the United States since 1976, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Tan most popular?
Tan peaked in 1985, when 29 newborns received the name.
Is Tan a boy or girl name?
Tan is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 98% of babies with the name.
Is the name Tan rising or falling?
Tan is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Tan?
Well-known people named Tan include Tan Sitong (philosopher), Tan Malaka (politician), Tan Dun (composer).