Tanner

Occupational

Meaning

A craftsman who prepares animal hides by treating them with tannin to produce leather.

Etymology

From Old English 'tannere,' derived from 'tan,' which comes from Old Norse 'tanna' meaning 'to tan.' The occupation was essential for producing leather goods.

About the Tanner Surname

Tanner is a distinctive occupational surname representing a skilled trade that was vital to medieval economies for producing leather. The surname reflects the importance of leather in clothing, armor, and various household items.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 420,000 bearers in the United States #184 most common surname
Rare Common

Found throughout England and common in North America, Australia, and other English-speaking countries.

Tanner Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

People with the Tanner Surname