Home

Tenzin

Tenzin is a Tibetan given name that is widely used among Tibetans and in the Tibetan diaspora. It is most commonly masculine, though in some contexts it appears as part of longer two-part names for both genders. In Tibetan naming tradition, Tenzin is typically the first element of a longer given name rather than a family surname.

Etymology and meaning are tied to Buddhist tradition. The name is often interpreted as “holder of the

In popular culture and history, the most famous bearer is Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, spiritual

Overall, Tenzin remains a prominent and culturally significant name within Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing fidelity to the

teachings”
or
“upholder
of
the
Dharma.”
When
paired
with
other
elements
in
longer
names,
it
can
contribute
to
meanings
connected
with
wisdom
and
spiritual
duties.
The
element
Gyatso,
which
frequently
appears
in
compound
forms
such
as
Tenzin
Gyatso,
means
“ocean.”
The
combined
forms
are
sometimes
translated
as
“Ocean
of
the
Dharma”
or
“Ocean
of
Wisdom,”
reflecting
the
esteem
for
Buddhist
teachings.
leader
of
Tibet
and
Nobel
Peace
Prize
laureate.
Other
notable
individuals
with
the
name
include
Tenzin
Palmo,
a
Tibetan
Buddhist
nun
and
teacher
known
for
her
long
retreat
and
writings;
Tenzin
Tsundue,
a
Tibetan-Canadian
poet
and
activist;
and
Tenzin
Wangyal
Rinpoche,
a
Tibetan
Buddhist
teacher
and
founder
of
the
Ligmincha
Institute.
dharma
and
spiritual
responsibility.