Find out how popular the first name Tenna has been for the last 19 years (from 1975 to 1993) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tenna by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Tenna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1993, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tenna.

The history of the first name Tenna

The name Tenna is of Old Norse origin, deriving from the word "tenni," which means "teeth" or "tooth." This name was commonly used in Scandinavian countries such as Iceland, Norway, and Sweden during the Viking era, which spanned from the late 8th century to the late 11th century.

Tenna was a popular name among the Vikings, who prized physical strength and valor. The name may have been given to children with particularly strong or prominent teeth, or it could have been a symbolic representation of resilience and fortitude. In ancient Norse mythology, there are references to gods and goddesses with names related to teeth, such as Tanngnióstr and Tannfé, further emphasizing the significance of this feature in Viking culture.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tenna can be found in the Icelandic Sagas, a collection of historical tales and folklore from the 13th century. The Saga of Gísli Súrsson, for example, mentions a character named Tenna Ǫngull, who lived in the 10th century and was known for his wisdom and foresight.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Tenna. In the 16th century, Tenna Scholander (1508-1570) was a Swedish noblewoman and landowner who played a significant role in the Reformation and the establishment of Protestantism in Sweden. Another prominent figure was Tenna Marsh (1801-1865), a British writer and philanthropist who advocated for women's education and social reform.

In the 20th century, Tenna Kraft (1885-1954) was a Danish film actress who appeared in several silent movies during the early days of cinema. Tenna Mäkitalo (1909-1999) was a Finnish author and journalist known for her children's books and contributions to Finnish literature. Additionally, Tenna Shöre (1920-2001) was a Swedish painter and sculptor whose works were exhibited in galleries across Europe.

While the name Tenna may not be as common today as it once was, its historical roots and connections to Norse culture and language make it a unique and intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with a rich 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 Tenna was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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