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Tenzin

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Tenzin Pronunciation

Tenzin is pronounced TEN-zin /ˈtɛn.zɪn/High

Meaning: From Tibetan bstan-dzin, meaning 'holder of the teachings' or 'upholder of the Dharma (Buddhist doctrine)'; a deeply revered name in Tibetan Buddhist cultureHigh

In 30 seconds: Tenzin is a Tibetan Buddhist name meaning holder of the teachings or upholder of the Dharma. Most famous as the first name of the 14th Dalai Lama, it is both a profoundly spiritual name and one that has spread beyond Tibetan communities.

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Origin HighTibetan

MeaningFrom Tibetan bstan-dzin, meaning 'holder of the teachings' or 'upholder of the Dharma (Buddhist doctrine)'; a deeply revered name in Tibetan Buddhist culture

U.S. rank (2024)#3207 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births50 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,217

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Tenzin comes from the Tibetan bstan-dzin (བསྟན་འཛིན), literally 'holder of the teachings', composed of bstan (teaching, doctrine, Dharma) and dzin (to hold, uphold). The name has been part of Tibetan Buddhist naming tradition for centuries, given to both monks and laypersons to reflect the aspiration of preserving Buddhist wisdom. It appears frequently in the names of Tibetan lamas and reincarnate tulkus.

The name became widely recognized globally through Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama (born 1935), the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Outside Tibet, the name is used in Bhutan, Nepal, and by Tibetan diaspora communities worldwide. In recent decades it has appeared as a given name in Western countries, chosen for both boys and girls, reflecting interest in Buddhist culture and spirituality.

Did you know? The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, received the name Tenzin as part of his full religious title — in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, lamas often share the name Tenzin as it honors their role as holders and transmitters of the Dharma.

Overall data confidence 93%

Tibetan-English Dictionary, Rangjung Yeshe — bstan-dzin, holder of teachingsDalai Lama official biography — Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama

Variations

TendzinTenzinTändzin

Nicknames

TenTenzi

Famous Bearers

★Tenzin Gyatso (1935–present)
The 14th Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and recipient of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize.

If you like Tenzin…

Karma— Tibetan Buddhist name of similar spiritual resonance and cross-cultural adoption

Jaylin— another unisex pick

Devin— lands in the same popularity range

Rylin— another unisex pick

Maylin— shares the -in ending

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Tenzin?

Tenzin is pronounced TEN-zin (/ˈtɛn.zɪn/). Press play above to hear Tenzin said aloud.

How do you say Tenzin?

Tenzin is said TEN-zin (/ˈtɛn.zɪn/). Press play above to hear Tenzin said aloud.

What does the name Tenzin mean?

Tenzin means holder of the teachings or upholder of the Dharma, from Tibetan bstan-dzin, a profoundly spiritual Buddhist name.

Is Tenzin a boy or girl name?

Tenzin is a unisex Tibetan name, used for both boys and girls; it is most associated with the male Dalai Lama but is given to girls as well.

How popular is Tenzin?

Tenzin is rare outside Tibetan Buddhist communities but has gained some use in Western countries among parents drawn to Buddhist-inspired names.