Tanner Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Tanner come from? What does the surname Tanner mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Tanner and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Tanner Origin: What does the last name Tanner mean?
The surname Tanner has origins in England, Germany, and Finland. In England, it was an occupational name for someone involved in the tannery process. The German form of the surname, Danner, likely originated from the word for 'fir tree' and a place name referring to this. In Finnish, 'tanner' is a synonym for 'field' or 'ground'. The earliest records of the Tanner surname can be traced back to the early 14th century in England, with noticeable growth in the United States from the 16th century onwards.
According to YourRoots data, the Tanner surname has spread globally over the centuries. While it initially remained closely linked to the United Kingdom, particularly England, it later expanded to countries such as the United States, France, India, Spain, and Argentina. Today, the Tanner surname is found in various countries worldwide, reflecting a diverse heritage and a widespread presence across different regions and cultures.
Tanner Last Name History: Where did the last name Tanner come from?
Origin of Tanner Surname: Where does the last name Tanner originate from?
Based on the available data from YourRoots, the earliest records of the surname Tanner can be traced back to the early 14th century in the United Kingdom, specifically England. This data pertains to the exact spelling of “Tanner” and may not include variations of the surname or other data sources.
History of the Last Name Tanner: How has the Tanner surname evolved over time?
The Tanner surname remained closely linked to the United Kingdom, particularly England, from the 14th to the late 15th century. However, according to YourRoots data, a noticeable growth in the records of the Tanner surname was observed in the United States from the 16th century onwards. This spread indicates an early migration or dispersion of individuals bearing the Tanner surname from England to the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Tanner surname today?
As per YourRoots data, from the 16th century onwards, the frequency of Tanner surname records increased significantly in the United States, surpassing that of the United Kingdom. This trend continued through the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. While the data for the 20th century shows a lower volume, it does not necessarily reflect a decrease in the frequency of the Tanner surname. Today, the Tanner surname is found not only in the United States and the United Kingdom but also in various countries across the globe, indicating a widespread presence of the surname.
Explore Tanner last name heritage and Tanner surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Tanner Surame?
Henry Ossawa Tanner
Henry Ossawa Tanner (June 21, 1859 – May 25, 1937) was an American artist who became the first African-American painter to gain international acclaim. He spent much of his career in France, studying at the Académie Julian in Paris. Tanner's works ranged from everyday scenes of African American life to religious subjects, showcasing his mastery of color and brushstrokes. His paintings like "The Resurrection of Lazarus" and "The Annunciation" capture the intensity of religious moments, while his signature "Tanner blues" palette in works like "The Three Marys" continues to influence artists today.
Michelle Tanner
Michelle Elizabeth Tanner is a fictional character on the long-running ABC sitcom Full House, portrayed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. She debuted in 1987 and continued until 1995, known for her precocious catchphrases like "you got it dude" and "you're in big trouble, mister." Raised by her father, uncle, and family friend after her mother's death, Michelle is playful and mischievous, forming strong bonds with her relatives. She makes friends like Aaron and Teddy throughout the series, showcasing her endearing and relatable character as the youngest Tanner daughter.
Antwon Tanner
Antwon Cortez Tanner (April 14, 1975 - ) is an American actor known for his roles in popular TV shows like "Moesha," "The Parkers," and "One Tree Hill." He has also appeared in films such as "Coach Carter" and "Sunset Park." Tanner faced legal troubles in 2009 for selling Social Security numbers but continued his acting career after serving a three-month jail sentence.
Bill Tanner
Bill Tanner is a fictional character in the James Bond film and novel series. Tanner is an employee of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) who acts as M's chief of staff. In Ian Fleming's novels, Bill Tanner is MI6's chief of staff and a close friend of James Bond. Tanner has been portrayed by various actors in the James Bond film series, including Michael Goodliffe, James Villiers, and Rory Kinnear. He is known for his role in giving assignments to Bond and assisting in various missions. Tanner's character has appeared in multiple James Bond films, making him a recognizable figure in the franchise.
Drew Ray Tanner
Drew Ray Tanner (born 1992) is a Canadian actor best known for his role as Fangs Fogarty on Riverdale. Tanner's journey to fame began with his auditions for Riverdale, where he eventually landed the role of Sweet Pea. His character's popularity grew, leading to his promotion to a series regular in season five. Off-screen, Tanner is a musician who, along with his Riverdale co-star, formed a music group called These Girls These Boys. He also showcased his acting skills in the Netflix film Work It. Tanner's talent and dedication have solidified his presence in the entertainment industry.
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