Tennison

English

"son of Dennis"

Tennison Origin and Meaning

The name Tennison is a boy's name.

Tennison is an English surname-turned-first-name with the literal meaning of "son of Dennis." The name Dennis itself derives from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry. Tennison carries a distinguished literary connection through the renowned Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, which adds intellectual prestige to the name. As a first name, Tennison remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical gravitas. The name has seen a modest increase in usage in recent decades as part of the trend toward using surnames as first names. With its strong consonants and rhythmic cadence, Tennison projects confidence and sophistication while offering the friendly nickname options of "Tenn" or "Tenney."

The name Tennison in Pop Culture

• Jane Tennison police detective played by Helen Mirren in the ITV drama series 'Prime Suspect' (1991,2006)