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Tenzin
♂ Boy
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 (2024)#2279 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births63 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2014
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,590
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
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.
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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.