Meaning and Origin
What does the name Tawny mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Tawny
User Submitted Origins
English
67%
Fiction
17%
Indian (Sanskrit)
17%
User Submitted Meanings
- According to a user from Arkansas, U.S., the name Tawny means "Little one".
- A submission from New York, U.S. says the name Tawny means "Reddish brown".
International Interest
Also see international interest
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
adjective Taw"ny
Of a dull yellowish brown color, like things tanned, or persons who are sunburnt; as, tawny Moor or Spaniard; the tawny lion.
Etymology: F. tanné, p. p. of tanner to tan. See Tan (v. t.) & (n.) Cf. Tenné
Other Dictionary Sources
- Of a light brown to brownish orange color; the color of tanned leather
Wiktionary
From Middle English tawne, from Anglo-Norman tawné, from Old French tané, past participle of taner (“to tan”), from tan (“tanbark, tawny color”), from Gaulish tanno (“holm oak”), from Proto-Celtic *tanno- (“green oak”), of uncertain further origin. Compare Breton tann, Old Irish caerthann (“rowan”).
- A light brown to brownish orange colour.