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Tennyson Unisex

Popularity: #895 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationTEN-ee-sun / /ˈtɛn.i.sən/

English; Old French

Meaning

English: 'son of Tenny'; Old French: 'tennis player'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Tennyson is of English origin, derived from the Old French personal name "Teni" or "Tain," which itself is rooted in the Germanic elements "þan" meaning "to think" and "-son" denoting "son of." The name evolved through various forms, including the Middle English "Tenyson," before solidifying into its modern form in the 19th century. It entered the English lexicon primarily through the influence of notable figures, particularly Alfred, Lord Tennyson, who served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom during much of Queen Victoria's reign, significantly impacting the cultural landscape of the time.

Alfred Tennyson, born in 1809, became one of the most celebrated poets of the Victorian era, with works such as "In Memoriam" and "The Charge of the Light Brigade" gaining widespread acclaim. His poetry often explored themes of love, loss, and nature, resonating deeply with the sentiments of his contemporaries. The elevation of his name to a symbol of literary excellence contributed to the name Tennyson's enduring legacy, particularly as it became associated with artistic and intellectual pursuits.

Culturally, the name Tennyson evokes a sense of nobility and artistic heritage, often linked to the ideals of the Romantic movement, which emphasized emotion and individualism. The name has also been adopted in various forms in literature and the arts, reinforcing its connection to creativity and expression. The diminutive form "Tenny" has occasionally been used in informal contexts, though the full name remains the most recognized. Overall, Tennyson encapsulates a rich historical and cultural significance, reflecting both its linguistic roots and its association with one of England's foremost literary figures.

Trend Summary

Tennyson has seen a gradual increase in popularity as a given name in the United States since the late 20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Tenny
  • Tennyson

International Variants

Famous people named Tennyson

Fictional characters named Tennyson

Tennyson is a fictional character from the video game series The Legend of Zelda. He is a member of the royal family and plays a significant role in the lore of the game, particularly in relation to the history of Hyrule.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Tennyson was first seen in the United States in 1913. Tennyson has ranked as high as #1347 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in California, Texas, North Carolina, Utah, and Colorado. In the past 5 years the name Tennyson has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Tennyson (2020)

StateBirthsShare
TX 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19135
19146
191512
19167
19178
191811
191911
19208
19216
192212
19236
19256
19267
19279
19285
19295
193010
193110
19325
19355
19385
19448
19456
19467
19475
19485
19499
19549
19556
19575
19585
195911
19627
19637
19645
19707
19715
19746
19758
19767
197812
19795
19816
19845
19887
19905
19918
199211
19938
19948
199617
199717
19987
199914
200018
20019
200213
200312
200419
200518
200626
200729
200834
200929
201039
201134
201232
201344
201448
201546
201634
201737
201844
201943
202035
202124
202231
202321
202429