Tenzin is a name of Tibetan origin, meaning "to hold firmly to the Buddha's teachings." It is derived from the Tibetan word "ten" which means "to hold," and "dzin" which means "to hold firmly or to remember." This name has been popularized by the Dalai Lama's name Tenzin Gyatso, who was born Lhamo Thondup but was given the name Tenzin Gyatso upon his recognition as the 14th Dalai Lama in 1935. The use of this name has since become associated with the Tibetan people and their culture, particularly those in exile due to Chinese occupation. However, it is important to note that the name Tenzin is not exclusive to Tibetans and can be found among other Buddhist communities as well. Despite its association with the Dalai Lama, the name Tenzin does not necessarily have any specific religious connotations beyond its general meaning of holding firmly to the Buddha's teachings. In recent years, Tenzin has gained popularity as a boys' name in Western countries, perhaps due in part to its association with the Dalai Lama and the positive image he has cultivated around the world.
The name Tenzin experienced a steady increase in popularity from 1998 to its peak in 2012, with 83 births that year. However, it has since declined, reaching 47 births in 2023.