Surname Tennis - Meaning and Origin

Tennis: What does the surname Tennis mean?

The surname Tennis is believed to have originated from a personal name, likely derived from the Greek name "Tennis" or "Tennys." The Greek name is a diminutive form of the name Athanasius meaning "immortal." Therefore, people with the last name Tennis may have ancestors who were given this name due to its association with immortality and strength. As with many surnames, over time, the name may have been altered due to regional dialects and spellings. The surname Tennis is not very common and can be found in the United States and in some parts of Europe. It is important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and meanings, depending on the cultural and geographical background. Therefore, given the international nature of the name and its spelling variations, the meaning can differ between families and regions. It is advisable for one to research their own genealogical history to determine the specific origin and meaning of their surname.

Tennis: Where does the name Tennis come from?

The surname Tennis is believed to have originated from England and likely derived from a personal name, Dennis, which was popular during the Middle Ages. Dennis comes from the Greek name Dionysius, the god of wine, which was often given to children born of nobility.

Today, the surname Tennis is not very common. However, it can be found more frequently in the United States where it spread through migration. Specifically, it tends to be prevalent in the state of Pennsylvania, likely due to immigrant families settling there in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its population is also scattered across states like Ohio, California, and Virginia. Regardless, it remains a rather rare surname, with less than 5,000 people bearing it in the entire world.

Variations of the surname Tennis

The surname Tennis is of English origin. This name may be derived from the given name Dennis or Thomas, with the 'T' perhaps resulting from a regional pronunciation. Alternate spellings for this surname may include Tennes, Tennies, or Tennison. These variations may have evolved due to spelling errors, transcription issues, or regional pronunciation differences.

The surname could also be linked to the name of a place or occupation. For instance, it could be derived from the town of Tenny, or from an occupation such as 'tennis player'. Variations of the surname could include Tenni, Tenne, or Tennyson.

The use of Tennis as a surname might also be influenced by the Dutch word 'tennis', meaning 'to play tennis', suggesting the ancestor who first used this name was known for their sporting ability.

However, the frequency of these variations is relatively low, indicating the name is fairly unique. Given its uncommon status, tracing the history and origin of the surname Tennis can be challenging. It is always useful to take multiple sources into account during genealogical research to ensure accurate information.

Famous people with the name Tennis

• Pete Sampras: Professional Tennis Player
• Patrick McEnroe: Tennis Player and Broadcaster
• Tracy Austin: Retired Professional Tennis Player
• Jim Courier: Professional Tennis Player
• Tony Trabert: Former World No. 1 Player
• Tom Gorman: Retired Professional Tennis Player and Davis Cup Captain
• John McEnroe: Professional Tennis Player and Commentator
• Charlie Pasarell: Former Professional Tennis Player and Media Personality
• Eliot Teltscher: Retired Professional Tennis Player
• the Bryan Brothers: Professional Tennis Players and Olympic Gold Medalists

Other surnames

Tennison