Rising since 1992, #2,230 for boys today.
Popularity of Tenzin since 1992
Babies named Tenzin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 74 | 97 |
| 2000s | 370 | 441 |
| 2010s | 528 | 758 |
| 2020s | 281 | 357 |
Meaning & origin
Tenzin entered U.S. records in 1992 and has climbed steadily, ranking 2230 in 2025. Its peak popularity came in 2016, reflecting growing cultural awareness of Tibetan Buddhism. The name carries deep spiritual significance, tied to the Dalai Lama and other revered lamas. Its low frequency (1 in 27,112 births) gives it a distinct presence, and its top states, Minnesota and New York, suggest use among Tibetan diaspora communities and families drawn to its meaning.
Tenzin is a Tibetan name meaning 'holder of the teachings' (from Tibetan བསྟན་འཛིན, bstan 'dzin). It is commonly used as a title for reincarnated lamas in Tibetan Buddhism, most notably the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. In the Tibetan diaspora it has become a given name for both boys and girls, and has gained some use in the West, particularly among families connected to Tibetan culture.
Where Tenzin is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Tenzin” around the world
Where Tenzin lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ten, Tenz
Sibling names for Tenzin
Names that share Tenzin's style, for a brother or sister.
