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Home › Baby Names Directory › Tenzin

Tenzin

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Tenzin

Pronounced TEN-zin /ˈtɛn.zɪn/High

Meaning: holder of Buddha DharmaHigh

In 30 seconds: Tenzin is a Tibetan Buddhist name meaning holder of Buddha Dharma or upholder of the teachings. A meaningful two-syllable name associated with the Dalai Lama.
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Origin HighTibetan
Meaningholder of Buddha Dharma
U.S. rank (2025)#2254 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births63 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2014
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,590
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Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201619922025

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

Tenzin derives from Tibetan bstan dzin meaning holder of the Dharma. It is a common name in Tibetan Buddhist communities.

Tenzin is widely used in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and among Tibetan diaspora communities.

Did you know? The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has held this revered name since his recognition in 1940 — making Tenzin a name known to all who follow the Dalai Lama's teachings.
Overall data confidence 88%
Behind the Name: Tenzin — name etymology referenceUS Social Security Name Database — U.S. popularity data

Variations

TenzinTenzingTendzin

Nicknames

TenTenz

Famous Bearers

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

If you like Tenzin…

Karma— similar Tibetan Buddhist name
Torin— lands in the same popularity range
Thorin— lands in the same popularity range
Taylin— lands in the same popularity range
Korbin— shares the -in ending

Explore names like Tenzin

By themetwo-syllablebuddhisttibetan

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Frequently Asked

What does Tenzin mean?

Tenzin means holder of Buddha Dharma.

How do you pronounce Tenzin?

Tenzin is pronounced TEN-zin (/ˈtɛn.zɪn/), with 2 syllables.

Is Tenzin a boy's name?

Yes, Tenzin is used as a boy's name.

How popular is the name Tenzin?

Tibetan Buddhist; Dharma-holder meaning firmly established.

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