Origin & Meaning of the Tennison Surname
What does the last name Tennison mean?
The surname Tennison carries the meaning "Son of Tenni." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,169 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tennison ranks as the #10,179 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Tennison come from?
The Tennison surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Tennison name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Tennison trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Tennison |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Tenni |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,179 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,169 |
| Per 100K People | 1.07 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Tennison
According to the US Census, the Tennison surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,169 Americans with the Tennison last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 78.16% |
| Black | 13.7% |
| Hispanic | 3.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.63% |
| Native American | 1.67% |
| Two or More Races | 2.43% |
Popularity of Tennison Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Tennison surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Tennison surname increased by 141 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Tennison.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennison
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