How common is the TENNANT surname?

There are approximately 45,000 people with the surname TENNANT in the United States.

Are there TENNANT soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 176 soldiers with the TENNANT surname appear in Civil War records.

TENNANT

Q: What does the surname TENNANT mean?

The surname TENNANT means "An occupational surname derived from the word 'tenant,' referring to someone who rents or leases land from a landlord.". It is of Scottish/English origin.

Occupational

Meaning

An occupational surname derived from the word 'tenant,' referring to someone who rents or leases land from a landlord.

Etymology

The surname comes directly from the Middle English and Old French 'tenant,' meaning one who holds or occupies land. It originally denoted a person's social or economic status as a tenant farmer or leaseholder.

About the TENNANT Surname

A surname reflecting medieval feudal social structures where tenant farmers formed a significant portion of the population. The name has remained relatively common in Scotland and has gained modern prominence through entertainment figures.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 45,000 bearers in the United States #549 most common surname

Rare Common

Common in Scotland and Northern England, with significant populations in North America.

TENNANT Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the TENNANT Surname

D.f. Tennant

HONORABLE

Quick Facts

Origin: Scottish/English
Classification: Occupational
Earliest Record: 13th century Scotland
Estimated Bearers: 45,000

War Records

176 soldiers with the TENNANT surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →