Tennyson Unisex
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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1913 | 5 |
1914 | 6 |
1915 | 12 |
1916 | 7 |
1917 | 8 |
1918 | 11 |
1919 | 11 |
1920 | 8 |
1921 | 6 |
1922 | 12 |
1923 | 6 |
1925 | 6 |
1926 | 7 |
1927 | 9 |
1928 | 5 |
1929 | 5 |
1930 | 10 |
1931 | 10 |
1932 | 5 |
1935 | 5 |
1938 | 5 |
1944 | 8 |
1945 | 6 |
1946 | 7 |
1947 | 5 |
1948 | 5 |
1949 | 9 |
1954 | 9 |
1955 | 6 |
1957 | 5 |
1958 | 5 |
1959 | 11 |
1962 | 7 |
1963 | 7 |
1964 | 5 |
1970 | 7 |
1971 | 5 |
1974 | 6 |
1975 | 8 |
1976 | 7 |
1978 | 12 |
1979 | 5 |
1981 | 6 |
1984 | 5 |
1988 | 7 |
1990 | 5 |
1991 | 8 |
1992 | 11 |
1993 | 8 |
1994 | 8 |
1996 | 17 |
1997 | 17 |
1998 | 7 |
1999 | 14 |
2000 | 18 |
2001 | 9 |
2002 | 13 |
2003 | 12 |
2004 | 19 |
2005 | 18 |
2006 | 26 |
2007 | 29 |
2008 | 34 |
2009 | 29 |
2010 | 39 |
2011 | 34 |
2012 | 32 |
2013 | 44 |
2014 | 48 |
2015 | 46 |
2016 | 34 |
2017 | 37 |
2018 | 44 |
2019 | 43 |
2020 | 35 |
2021 | 24 |
2022 | 31 |
2023 | 21 |
2024 | 29 |