Declining since 2011, #2,458 for girls today.
Popularity of Tenley since 1953
Babies named Tenley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 91 |
| 1960s | 93 |
| 1970s | 60 |
| 1980s | 117 |
| 1990s | 117 |
| 2000s | 521 |
| 2010s | 4,978 |
| 2020s | 877 |
Meaning & origin
Tenley is a modern American name that first appeared on the U.S. Social Security Administration's baby name list in 1953. Its peak year was 2011, after which it has seen a gradual decline in usage. In 2025, it ranked 2,458, with roughly 1 in 22,323 newborn girls receiving the name. The name is most commonly found in Pennsylvania and Texas. While its origins are uncertain, it may be derived from an English place name, giving it a gentle, surname-like quality that fits well with contemporary naming trends favoring last names as first names. Tenley remains a relatively rare choice, offering a feeling of uniqueness without being unfamiliar.
Tenley is of uncertain origin. It may derive from an English place name, such as Teynley in Surrey, or be a variant of the surname Tenley. The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in the 1950s and gained moderate usage in the early 2000s, peaking in 2011.
Where Tenley is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ten, Lee
Sibling names for Tenley
Names that share Tenley's style, for a brother or sister.
