Tenaya: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: t-ehn-ahy-ah
Origin: United States
gender-female

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Apr 14, 2025 · 1 min read
Region Origin: North America
Meaning: Sparkling water

Tenaya is a beautiful and unique name that has roots in Native American culture. The name is of Miwok origin, specifically from the Yosemite Valley region in California. In the Miwok language, Tenaya is said to mean "sparkling water" or "glistening river," evoking images of the natural beauty and purity of flowing water. In Native American culture, water is often seen as a sacred and life-giving element, symbolizing purity, renewal, and vitality. The name Tenaya carries with it a sense of connection to the natural world and a deep respect for the environment. Historically, Tenaya was also the name of a prominent chief of the Yosemite tribe in the 19th century. Chief Tenaya was known for his leadership and courage in defending his people and their land against encroaching settlers and the US government. Today, the name Tenaya continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a meaningful and culturally significant name for their child. It represents a connection to nature, a respect for indigenous traditions, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting our natural resources.

Tenaya Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Tenaya is currently #13542 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Girl: Tenaya is currently #7692 on Kiindred Girl Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Tenaya is currently #6840 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-female Girl Unique: Tenaya is currently #3890 on Kiindred Girl Unique Names

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