Tan is a pale tone of brown. The name is derived from tannum used in the tanning of leather. Colors which are similar or may be considered synonymous to tan include: tawny, tenne, and fulvous. When a person sunbathes to make his or her skin darker, he or she is said to be getting a tan. If you adopt a tan puppy, you could consider choosing a Tan-inspired name for him or her. Tanfana, or simply Tan, is ancient European goddess. Check out the complete list of tan dog names for male or female puppies.