Last Name Tena

The surname Tena has origins that can be traced to several different cultures and regions. In Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain and some Latin American nations, "Tena" is a common surname and often of Basque origin. The Basques are an ethnic group predominantly located in the Basque Country, which spans parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. In this context, Tena can be derived from various Basque words such as "tena," meaning "farm" or "estate," or "tendia," meaning "cloth shop." The surname may have been a toponymic name, referring to someone who lived near a farm or marketplace. In Portuguese-speaking countries, Tena is a variant of the name Tenreiro, which is an occupational name for a metalworker who made or repaired utensils and tools from iron. The word "tenreiro" comes from the Latin term "tenax," meaning "to hold." In English-speaking countries, Tena might be a variant of the surname Thompson, which originally referred to someone who worked as a weaver, deriving from the Old English words "þéop" (weave) and "mann" (man). However, this is less common due to the different origins of the name in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking cultures. It is important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins, and the exact origin of a particular Tena may vary depending on specific family history or geographical region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tena

The meaning and origin of the last name Tena

The surname Tena is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Basque region in northern Spain and southwestern France. It derives from various place names that share this name, such as Tenabia or Teneba, which were originally inhabited by members of the Basque people. The meaning of the name Tena varies depending on its specific origin but often relates to 'hill' or 'land on a hill', reflecting the hilly terrain prevalent in the region. Over time, individuals from these regions carrying the place name as their surname migrated, spreading the Tena surname across Spain and other parts of Europe, South America, and the United States. The name has also been recorded in other languages like Tena (Galician) and Tenahue (Quechua), but its roots remain primarily Basque in origin.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tena

The surname Tena has a significant presence in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Spain and several Latin American nations. In Spain, it is most concentrated in regions such as Galicia, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, where it is one of the top 200 most common last names. In Latin America, Colombia and Peru are countries with a notable number of individuals bearing the Tena surname. Other Spanish-speaking countries like Ecuador, Mexico, and Argentina also have significant populations with this name. The diaspora has further distributed the surname to other parts of the world, such as the United States, where it is primarily found in Florida due to a large number of Spanish immigrants. In summary, while the Tena surname predominantly originates from the Iberian Peninsula, its distribution has been influenced by migration and colonization, leading to a wide geographical presence today.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tena

The surname Tena has several variations and spellings worldwide, primarily due to differences in pronunciation and regional dialects. Some common variations include Tenna, Teña, de Tena, and del Tena. In Spanish-speaking countries, the name is often preceded by "de" or "del," which denote a person comes from a specific place. For instance, "de Tena" means "of Tena." Additionally, some individuals may have anglicized versions of their names such as Tenah, Tennae, Tenai, Tenna, or Tennaa. In Portuguese-speaking regions, the name can be spelled Teona or de Teona, while in French it might be written as Téna or de Téna. The origin of the name is unclear; however, it's most commonly found among Spanish and Portuguese families, potentially derived from a place name or topographical feature such as "tenedor" (holder) or "tierra fértil" (fertile land).

Famous people with the last name Tena

Notable individuals bearing the surname Tena include:

1. Juan Luis Taliente Tena (born 1947), also known as Chano Pozuelo, a Spanish flamenco singer and guitarist who has won multiple awards.
2. José Antonio Tena (born 1963), a retired Spanish footballer who played for clubs such as Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, as well as the Spanish national team.
3. Pedro de la Serna (1948-2015), an Argentine actor known for his roles in films like "Evita," "The Official Story," and "Apocalypse Now."
4. María Tena (born 1964), a Spanish actress who has worked extensively in film, television, and theatre, earning international acclaim for her role in "The Sea Inside."
5. José Carlos Tena (born 1980), a professional tennis player from Spain who reached the top 200 in ATP rankings during his career.
6. Fernando Tena (born 1973), a Spanish professional golfer who has competed on multiple golf tours worldwide, with victories on the European Tour and Challenge Tour.

Genealogical research on the last name Tena

The surname Tena has roots in the Basque region of Spain and France, with early records tracing back to the medieval period. The Basque language predates the Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, indicating that the Tena family may have been among the earliest settlers in the area. The name is derived from various regional place names, often meaning "valley" or "plain."

Historically, many Tena families were artisans and farmers. Notable individuals with the surname include Juan de Tena, a 16th-century Spanish composer, and Juan Ignacio Molina Tena, a prominent 18th-century Basque historian. The family name also spread to Latin America during the colonial period, particularly in countries such as Mexico, Peru, and Argentina. Today, there are significant populations of the Tena family across Europe, North and South America, and beyond, reflecting their long history and global dispersal.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tena"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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