Taran is an ancient Celtic male given name, derived from the Old Irish word "táram," which means "peace." It was traditionally used among the Gaels of Scotland and Ireland, but has since gained popularity as a unisex name in various cultures around the world. The name Taran is often associated with Taranchu, a legendary Irish hero from the Ulster Cycle, who was known for his courage and strength. In recent years, it has been popularized by characters like Taran Wanderer from Lloyd Alexander's fantasy series "The Chronicles of Prydain" and Taranaki, a volcano and mountain in New Zealand. The name carries a unique and distinctive sound, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that is both meaningful and unusual.
"Taran is quite popular as a baby name, with its peak years being between 1982 and 1992, during which it averaged around 30 births per year. However, popularity declined significantly afterwards, with the highest number of births in recent years being just 13 in 2003."