Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Tenley

Tenley is a rare English surname derived from Towneley, a family name taken from Towneley Hall in the northwest county of Lancashire in England. The Towneley name simply comes from the Olde English word meaning “town”. The Towneleys/Tenleys were descendents of Normans and were among the many that refused allegiance to the Anglican Church after England broke away from Roman Catholicism in the 16th century. Apparently, several immigrated to Ireland as a result. However, this is not the reason why Tenley came to be a female name in the United States. Rather, that credit can be assigned to a reality TV star named Tenley Molzahn who first appeared on the 14th installment of the popular “Bachelor” series in 2010. She also had the distinction of being the last one eliminated, so apparently future American parents had all season to get used to her unusual name. They were also amazed that Jake Pavelka would bypass the fan-favorite Tenley for the questionable Vienna Girardi. Tenley is now used as a female given name in the United States, but it is also occasionally used in Australia.

All About the Baby Name – Tenley

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME TENLEY

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME TENLEY

The name Tenley jumped onto the female naming charts very abruptly in 2010 following the quasi-celebrity status Tenley Molzahn achieved on “The Bachelor”. Not only that, but Tenley debuted at position #458 out of 1000 which is an impressive first appearance. Especially after having arrived on the charts from complete obscurity. Tenley is not the only name on the charts to be influenced by “characters” on reality TV; this trend is becoming more and more common. It’s the exposure the name gets on TV and future parents start to take a liking to it. Either that, or they find some kindred spirit with the person behind the name. In any case, Tenley Albright was also a well-known figure skater of the 1950s (and the 1956 Olympic Champion) who became a surgeon after her retirement from skating. However, given Tenley’s sudden usage in 2010 it seems clear most parents gained knowledge of this obscure name through reality TV.

Quick Facts

ON TENLEY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

563

PRONUNCIATION:

TEN-lee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Town

Characteristics

OF TENLEY

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Tenley

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME TENLEY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Tenley

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME TENLEY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Tenley


Popular Songs

ON TENLEY

Tenley Town
a song by The Walkermen

Famous People

NAMED TENLEY

Tenley Molzahn (reality TV)
Tenley Albright (figure skater)

Children of Famous People

NAMED TENLEY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Tenley

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME TENLEY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Tenley