Find out how popular the first name Tenecia has been for the last 25 years (from 1974 to 1998) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tenecia by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Tenecia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1998, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tenecia.

The history of the first name Tenecia

The name Tenecia is believed to have its origins in the ancient Greek language, dating back to the 5th century BCE. It is derived from the Greek word "tenacious," which means "persistent" or "holding firm." This suggests that the name may have been given to individuals who exhibited qualities of determination and resilience.

In ancient Greek mythology, there are no specific references to a figure named Tenecia. However, the name's meaning aligns with the attributes of several Greek deities known for their strength and perseverance, such as Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, and Hercules, the legendary hero celebrated for his extraordinary feats.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Tenecia dates back to the 1st century CE, when it appeared in a Roman census record. This suggests that the name may have been adopted by the Romans from the Greeks and potentially spread throughout the Mediterranean region.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Tenecia was Tenecia Tertulla, a Roman noblewoman who lived in the 2nd century CE. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her support of various charitable causes.

In the 6th century CE, there was a Christian martyr named Tenecia of Carthage, who was executed for her refusal to renounce her faith during the persecution of Christians under the Vandal king Hunaric.

During the medieval period, the name Tenecia gained popularity in parts of Europe, particularly in regions influenced by the Byzantine Empire and its Greek cultural heritage.

A notable figure from this era was Tenecia of Arles, a French noblewoman who lived in the 12th century and was known for her involvement in the Crusades. She played a significant role in providing aid and supplies to the Crusaders during their campaigns in the Holy Land.

In the 16th century, there was a Spanish poet and playwright named Tenecia de la Cruz, who gained recognition for her works exploring themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition.

The name Tenecia continued to be used throughout various regions of Europe and the Mediterranean, with individuals bearing this name making contributions in various fields, including literature, arts, and academia.

While the name may not be as common today as it once was, its historical significance and unique origins rooted in ancient Greek language and mythology make it a distinctive and meaningful choice for those seeking a name with a rich cultural heritage.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Tenecia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Tenecia, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!