Find out how popular the first name Tenzin has been for the last 32 years (from 1992 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tenzin by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Tenzin is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 57% of people named Tenzin being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 66 female babies and 47 male babies born with the name Tenzin.

It's also interesting to see that despite Tenzin being historically a mostly male name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more female babies being named Tenzin.

The history of the first name Tenzin

The name Tenzin has its origins in the Tibetan language and culture, dating back several centuries. It is derived from the Tibetan word "tendzin," which means "holder of Buddhist teachings." The name is closely associated with Tibetan Buddhism and is believed to have been adopted by Buddhist practitioners and scholars.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Tenzin can be found in the 14th century, with the birth of Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama (1935-present). Tenzin Gyatso is a renowned spiritual leader and the head of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. He was born in Amdo, Tibet, and was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama at a young age.

Another notable figure in history with the name Tenzin was Tenzin Norgay (1914-1986), a Nepali-Tibetan Sherpa mountaineer. He was one of the first two individuals to reach the summit of Mount Everest, alongside Edmund Hillary, on May 29, 1953. Tenzin Norgay's accomplishment was celebrated worldwide and he became a national hero in Nepal.

In the 20th century, Tenzin Palmo (born 1943) is a renowned Buddhist nun and teacher. She is best known for her 12-year solitary retreat in a remote cave in the Himalayas, which she undertook to further her spiritual practice. Tenzin Palmo's dedication and perseverance have inspired many individuals around the world.

Tenzin Choegyal (1939-2007) was a Tibetan politician and activist who advocated for the independence of Tibet from Chinese rule. He served as the representative of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile, and played a crucial role in raising awareness about the Tibetan cause on the international stage.

Tenzin Delek Rinpoche (1950-2015) was a Tibetan Buddhist lama and activist who advocated for the preservation of Tibetan culture and language. He was imprisoned by Chinese authorities for his activism and died in prison under suspicious circumstances, leading to widespread outcry from human rights organizations.

These are just a few notable individuals who have borne the name Tenzin throughout history. The name continues to hold significant cultural and spiritual significance within the Tibetan Buddhist community and beyond.

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 Tenzin was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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