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Tanya

Girl name · 667 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Tanya: 667 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 41 births in 1990.

Derived as a Russian diminutive of Tatiana, Tanya ultimately traces back to the Roman family name Tatius, whose meaning remains uncertain. The name entered English usage in the mid-20th century and found steady popularity in Scotland from the 1970s onward. Notable bearers include American country music legend Tanya Tucker, known for her hit "Delta Dawn," and actress Tanya Roberts, a Bond girl in *A View to a Kill*. The name's root also connects to Saint Tatiana, a third-century Christian martyr venerated in Eastern Orthodoxy, with Tatiana Day celebrated on 25 January. Tanya itself is a common variant of Tania, and in Scotland it has remained a familiar choice, often seen as a friendly, approachable alternative to longer forms.