Tenley is a unique and captivating female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname O'Tenthi or O'Tanistry, which is believed to have been derived from the Irish word "tentiú", meaning "proud". The name Tenley has a rich history and was once associated with a prominent Irish family, the O'Tentalys.
The origins of the name Tenley can be traced back to medieval Ireland. It is thought that the name was first used as a surname before being adopted as a given name. The O'Tentalys were an ancient Irish sept, or clan, who were associated with County Armagh in Ulster. They were known for their bravery and loyalty, qualities which may have contributed to the meaning of "proud" behind the name.
Despite its Irish origins, Tenley is not a particularly common name in Ireland today. However, it has gained popularity as a given name in other parts of the world, particularly in the United States. In recent years, Tenley has been used as a first name for girls with increasing frequency, perhaps due to its unique sound and historic significance.
In summary, Tenley is an intriguing female given name of Irish origin that is derived from an ancient Irish surname. It has a rich history and meaningful signification, making it a captivating choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Tenley has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States. From 1953 to 1984, there were fewer than 15 births each year with the name Tenley. However, beginning in 1985, the number of annual births with this name started to rise steadily.
In 1987 and 1988, there were 13 births each year with the name Tenley. This trend continued until reaching a peak in 2010, with an astonishing 672 births that year. The popularity of the name remained high over the next few years, with over 500 births each year from 2011 to 2013.
After 2013, the number of annual births with the name Tenley began to decrease, but it remained relatively stable, ranging between 279 and 458 births per year until 2016. Since then, the popularity of the name has continued to decline, with 188 births in 2021 and 117 births in 2023.
In total, from 1953 to 2023, there have been 6,692 births in the United States with the name Tenley. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, it is clear that this name has become more common and has maintained a notable presence among baby names in recent decades.