The name Tennyson, of English origin, is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word 'tena' meaning 'tin', and 'sons', referring to a valley where tin was mined. It is an occupational surname given to someone who worked in a tin mine or lived near one. This name first appeared as a forename in the 19th century, possibly inspired by the famous English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892), who held this name as his family's hereditary title.
The name Tennyson has seen varied popularity over the years, with significant spikes occurring quite recently. From 1913 to 1964, the number of annual births named Tennyson fluctuated between 5 and 12, with a notable peak of 17 in 1996 and 1997. However, since the year 2000, there has been a marked increase in its popularity, with over 30 births each year from 2008 onwards, reaching a peak of 48 in 2014. The total number of births named Tennyson over this period is 1135.