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Tennille
Pronounced tuh-NEEL /təˈniːl/Medium
Meaning: Tennille is a surname of probable French or Louisiana origin, turned into a girls' first name after the popularity of singer Toni Tennille of the 1970s duo Captain and Tennille. Its underlying meaning is not settled; routes uncertain.Low
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Tennille began as a surname, probably of French or Louisiana descent, and became a girls' first name in the wake of the 1970s duo Captain and Tennille. The underlying meaning is not documented, and the routes are uncertain, which we note (said 'tuh-NEEL').
It appears only very rarely for girls in the U.S. Very rare, retro, and pop-culture-lifted.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Tennille mean?
Tennille is a surname with no settled meaning, popularized as a first name by singer Toni Tennille. Routes are uncertain, which we note.
How do you pronounce Tennille?
It's said tuh-NEEL /təˈniːl/ — two syllables, stress on the second.
Is Tennille a boy or girl name?
Tennille is used as a girl's name.
How popular is Tennille?
Tennille is a very rare name for girls in the U.S.