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Tennyson
Pronounced TEN-ih-suhn /ˈtɛn.ɪ.sən/Medium
Meaning: From the English surname Tennyson, 'son of Dennis' (Dennis from Greek 'Dionysios'). Famous via poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Used here for a girl though it usually leans to boys.Medium
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
The name Tennyson is an English surname, 'son of Dennis', tied to poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson. As a girl's name it is rare and reads as a literary surname pick; usually a boy's name, which we note (said 'TEN-ih-suhn').
For girls it appears only rarely in the U.S., against heavier boys' use. Rare, literary, and surname-style.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Tennyson mean?
Tennyson is an English surname meaning 'son of Dennis,' famous via the poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
How do you pronounce Tennyson?
It's said TEN-ih-suhn /ˈtɛn.ɪ.sən/ — three syllables, stress on the first.
Is Tennyson a boy or girl name?
Tennyson is used for both, but usually for boys — we note the lean.
How popular is Tennyson?
Tennyson is rare for girls in the U.S. and more common for boys.