Declining since 2003.
Popularity of Tenaya since 1971
Babies named Tenaya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 145 |
| 1980s | 203 |
| 1990s | 216 |
| 2000s | 256 |
| 2010s | 141 |
| 2020s | 47 |
Meaning & origin
Tenaya first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1971, a product of the nature-inspired naming trend of that era. It reached its modest peak usage in 1975, but never entered the national top 1,000. The name has been on a declining trajectory since 2003, reflecting its status as a rare choice. Tenaya is almost exclusively given to girls, though it has seen rare use for boys. The name is a direct borrowing of the Miwok place name Tenaya Lake in Yosemite, keeping the name tied to California's natural landscape.
Tenaya is taken from Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park, named after Chief Tenaya (also spelled Tenieya) of the Ahwahnechee people. The name was first recorded as a given name in the 1970s, influenced by the natural landmark. It is uncommon and primarily used for girls.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tena
Sibling names for Tenaya
Names that share Tenaya's style, for a brother or sister.
