Teng

“Mandarin Chinese”

Chinese origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1773US 2023

427Births / yr

→Stable

354All-time births

📅 Since 198000

How to pronounce Teng

TENG

/ˈtɛŋ/ · stress on TENG · 1 syllable

“Mandarin Chinese”

Chinese origin · Boy name

What does Teng mean and where does it come from?

Teng (腾) is a Chinese name with strong connotations of ambition and elevation. It is both a given name and a common surname in China. The act of soaring aligns with cultural values emphasizing growth and success. The name Teng is appreciated for its simplicity and positive meaning, making it a favor

Cultural significance

Teng has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Chinese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of mandarin chinese.

Peak popularity

Reached #2248 in 1992 — currently #1773 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Teng?

Teng works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Teng Grace

How popular is Teng right now?

Holding steady — currently #1773 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#1773 · Top 1.3%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1773	427	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1778	407	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021	#1783	377	▲ up 9158 · +7440% births
2000	#10941	5	▼ down 7281 · -72% births
1995	#3660	18	▼ down 887 · -25% births
1990	#2773	24	▼ down 418 · +4% births
1985	#2355	23	▲ up 740 · +53% births
1980	#3095	15	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Teng

Best Year2023Rank #1773

Peak Count427

Average Rank#3520

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 20238 years

The story of Teng

Teng is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1980. With 354 total births recorded, Teng remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3095 in 1980 to #1773 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Teng in 1992:

Michael Christopher Matthew Joshua Andrew

Teng by decade

Teng peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1980s ★	181
1990s	156
2000s	17

💎Teng has only 354 total recorded births since 1980 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Teng?

Common

What names sound and feel like Teng?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Teng also consider these

Heng

Chinese · permanent; tranquil

Yeng

American · a beautiful flower

Peng

China · Chinese

Neng

China · ability, capability

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Common questions about the name Teng

What does the name Teng mean?

Teng means "Mandarin Chinese" — a name rooted in Chinese tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Teng?

Teng is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Teng?

Teng originates from Chinese tradition. Chinese names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Teng?

Teng is a one-syllable name pronounced T EH1 NG. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Teng sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Teng flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Teng ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.