Taran
2025 SSA
Below 5 births
About Taran
Taran mac Ainftech was King of the Picts, a people who lived mainly in Scotland, in the 7th century. His name is a relative of the Celtic god of thunder Taranis, a counterpart to Thor.
Taran for boys#2932 US
Taran is rarely used in the US, however, in the UK, it is in the Top 1000 and has been, since 1996 (excepting 2018).Though it may feel like an invented cousin of Darren and Aaron, to unfamiliar ears, Taran does have genuine history coupled with a sleek modern feel.
Taran for girls
Taran is a feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In Welsh mythology, Taran refers to thunder, and was associated with the Celtic thunder god. In Sanskrit, the name means 'star' or 'protector.' The name also appears in Slavic cultures with connections to meanings like 'youth' or 'vitality.' While traditionally used for boys in many cultures, Taran has gained popularity as a gender-neutral or feminine name in recent decades. Its short, strong sound appeals to parents looking for a name that is both distinctive and easy to pronounce. The name carries an earthy, elemental quality with its mythological associations while remaining contemporary in feel. Its cross-cultural versatility makes it appealing to families with diverse backgrounds.
Pronounced TAR-un.
As of October 2026, Taran ranked #2932 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1008 in 1992.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · boys | Births · boys | US rank · girls | Births · girls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #2,576 | 48 | — | 0 |
| 2015 | #2,712 | 45 | — | 0 |
| 2016 | #3,514 | 32 | — | 0 |
| 2017 | #3,662 | 30 | — | 0 |
| 2018 | #2,838 | 43 | — | 0 |
| 2019 | #3,485 | 33 | — | 0 |
| 2020 | #3,641 | 30 | — | 0 |
| 2021 | #3,640 | 31 | — | 0 |
| 2022 | #3,861 | 29 | — | 0 |
| 2023 | #4,324 | 25 | — | 0 |
| 2024 | #3,670 | 31 | — | 0 |
| 2025 | #2,932 | 43 | — | 0 |
World rankings
Taran for boys
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Taran on lists
Famous Tarans
- Taran mac AinftechBoy
King of the Picts
- Taran Hourie KillamBoy
American comedian
- Taran Noah SmithBoy
American actor
- Taran KozunBoy
Canadian ice hockey player
- Taran MaasBoy
son of novelist Sarah J. Maas
Taran in pop culture
- TaranBoy
main character in the Chronicles of Prydain series by Lloyd Alexander and film The Black Cauldron, based on the books