Surname Tenner - Meaning and Origin

Tenner: What does the surname Tenner mean?

The surname Tenner is of German origin, related to the Middle High German word 'tenne' meaning 'barn' or 'granary'. In the agricultural society of the Middle Ages, the barn was an important structure, and the name might have been given to someone who worked in or lived near a granary. It's also possible that it derived from an occupation relating to the collection of taxes or tithes, derived from the Old English, Old Norse term 'tenth', referring to the one-tenth of one’s earnings given to the church. The surname could also be linked to the German word 'Töpfer', meaning potter, which is pronounced similar to "tenner". Variations of the name include Tenne, Tennen, Tennert, Tenn, and Tennhardt. Like many surnames that were based on jobs or roles within a community, the precise origins and meaning can be difficult to trace, and can vary from region to region. It's worth noting that surnames were often given based on an individual's trade, the places they lived, or their personal characteristics.

Tenner: Where does the name Tenner come from?

The last name Tenner is commonly found in many countries around the world. In the United States, the surname Tenner is particularly common in the states with the highest concentration of people with the name being New York, California, and Pennsylvania. Other countries where Tenner is particularly common include Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France, and Germany.

In addition to these countries, Tenner can also be found in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Israel. This is likely because as people have moved around the world, the name has been passed down from generations to generations.

In the United States, the surname Tenner is most likely of Danish, German, and Polish origin. Danish, German, and Polish immigrants settled in the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s, particularly on the East Coast and Midwest. So the tendency for Tenner to be most common in the United States in those particular regions follows that historical trend.

The name Tenner is also popular in Jewish communities, likely due to its Hebrew origins. The original root of the name Tenner, it has been suggested, is from the Hebrew word 'tanna' which means to give thanks. This could explain why the name is so common in the Jewish community.

All in all, Tenner is still common today, across many regions in the world. Its origin country, however, is most likely from those countries which experienced great population movements in the 1800s and 1900s.

Variations of the surname Tenner

Surname Tenner or Tennor is of English origin and derives from an old Norman personal name "Tengil". It is most commonly an English occupational name for a collar maker and it has also been found as an English geodetic name for someone from the northern part of England. This surname is also present in Scotland, Ireland and other English speaking countries.

Various spellings and variants of Tenner are popular among the different cultures. The most common variants are Tennor, Tenour, Tizabeth, Teiner, Teiner, Teinor, Tineder, Tenrod, Tenneur, etc. In Scotland and Ireland, the surname is sometimes spelled 'Tenenor', 'Tenner', and 'Teneur'.

In the United States, the spelling Tenneure is an uncommon variant. This spelling is used in states such as New York and Virginia. Another variant of the name Tenner is Tonner which is used mainly in southern regions such as Texas and the West Indies.

In Germany, the spelling 'Tennor' is often used and is the most common variant in that country. In the Netherlands, the spelling 'Tinor' is common, while in France the spelling 'Tientier' is usually found.

In conclusion, the Tenner surname is of English origin and has many variants and spellings used in different parts of the world including Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and France.

Famous people with the name Tenner

• Doug Tenner: Former actor who is well-known for his roles in films and television, such as the HBO series Dexter, the FX series American Horror Story, and the film The Lookout.
• Gabi Tenner: mayor of Seattle, Washington.
• Hunter Tenner: an American musician, actor, and social media star.
• Michelle Tenner: an American actress and model who is known for her roles on television shows, such as the hit CBS drama The Good Wife, and the NBC comedy Parks and Recreation.
• Zane Tenner: an American entrepreneur, and founder of the online subscription service MoviePass.
• Jess Tenner: an award-winning actress and singer. She is best known for her recurring roles in the television series Shameless and The Girlfriend Experience.
• Will Tenner: an American TV producer, known for producing shows like The Orville, Designated Survivor, and Navy NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
• Jeff Tenner: a former NFL linebacker. He is best known for his ten-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Richard Tenner: an American author who has written several books, including the critically acclaimed novel The Last Voyage.
• Jacob Tenner: an American professional golfer. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2017.

Other surnames

Tenney