Find out how popular the first name Tenzing has been for the last 20 years (from 1998 to 2017) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Tenzing by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Tenzing is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 74% of people named Tenzing being male.

For the most recent data in 2017, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Tenzing.

It's also interesting to see that despite Tenzing being historically a mostly male name, the most recent data from 2017 shows a shift in the trend, with more female babies being named Tenzing.

The history of the first name Tenzing

The name Tenzing is of Tibetan origin, derived from the word "Tenzing" which translates to "reverent" or "obedient." This name has its roots in the Himalayan region, particularly in the areas inhabited by the Sherpa people, an ethnic group known for their expertise in mountaineering and their close relationship with the Tibetan Buddhist culture.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Tenzing can be traced back to the 14th century, when it appeared in various Tibetan Buddhist texts and manuscripts. These ancient texts often referred to individuals with the name Tenzing as respected members of the monastic community or as spiritual leaders.

In the modern era, the name Tenzing gained widespread recognition with the legendary Sherpa mountaineer, Tenzing Norgay (1914-1986). He was part of the historic expedition that first conquered Mount Everest in 1953, alongside Sir Edmund Hillary. Tenzing Norgay's remarkable achievement and contribution to mountaineering brought the name to the global spotlight.

Another notable figure bearing the name Tenzing was Tenzing Tsetring (1924-2015), a Nepali Sherpa mountaineer who accompanied several expeditions to the Himalayas, including the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. He was recognized for his remarkable endurance and expertise in high-altitude climbing.

In the literary world, Tenzing Sonam is the pen name of a contemporary Tibetan writer and activist based in India. His works, including "Escape from the Land of Snows" and "The Tibetan Nonviolent Struggle," shed light on the Tibetan struggle for independence and the preservation of Tibetan culture.

Tenzing Rigdol is another prominent name, representing a Tibetan artist and activist known for his powerful artworks and installations that explore themes of identity, displacement, and the Tibetan diaspora. His works have been exhibited globally, including at the Venice Biennale.

Tenzing Tsewang is a notable Nepali mountaineer who has summited Mount Everest multiple times, including the first ascent without supplemental oxygen in 1988. His achievements have made him a respected figure in the mountaineering community and a source of inspiration for aspiring climbers.

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

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

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