Tennis

“Tennis” — Associated with the sport rather than a common personal name

English origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#641US 2023

1.6kBirths / yr

→Stable

202All-time births

📅 Since 191300

How to pronounce Tennis

TEN·us

/ˈtɛn.əs/ · stress on TEN · 2 syllables

“Tennis”

Associated with the sport rather than a common personal name · English origin

What does Tennis mean and where does it come from?

The name Tennis is quite rare and is primarily associated with the sport rather than a common personal name. It is derived from the French word 'tenez', meaning 'to take' or 'to receive', yelled at the start of a game. Though it is primarily recognized in the context of the sport, some individuals a

Cultural significance

Tennis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of tennis.

Peak popularity

Reached #2280 in 1926 — currently #641 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Tennis?

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

Tennis Grace

How popular is Tennis right now?

Holding steady — currently #641 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#641 · Top 0.47%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1940

1950

1955

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#641	1,559	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#646	1,539	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#651	1,509	▲ up 2678 · +21457% births
1955	#3329	7	▲ up 555 · +40% births
1950	#3884	5	▼ down 872 · -29% births
1940	#3012	7	▲ up 424
1930	#3436	7	▼ down 569 · -30% births
1925	#2867	10	▲ up 1636 · +100% births
1920	#4503	5	▼ down 479
1915	#4024	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tennis

Best Year2023Rank #641

Peak Count1,559

Average Rank#2699

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 202310 years

The story of Tennis

Tennis entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 202 total births recorded, Tennis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4024 in 1915 to #641 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Tennis in 1926:

Robert John James William Charles

Tennis by decade

Tennis peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	27
1920s ★	55
1930s	42
1940s	17
1950s	44
1960s	17

💎Tennis has only 202 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Tennis?

Common

TenTeEnnis

What names sound and feel like Tennis?

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

Dennis

English · Greek

Vennis

English · the one who

American · a variation of

Common questions about the name Tennis

What does the name Tennis mean?

Tennis means "Tennis" — a name rooted in English 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 Tennis?

Tennis is currently ranked #641 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 Tennis?

Tennis originates from English tradition. English 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 Tennis?

Tennis is a two-syllable name pronounced T EH1 N AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What are good nicknames for Tennis?

Tennis naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.