Teneka is a modern American feminine name of uncertain etymology, though it likely draws on elements from Sanskrit tanika (“slender”) or the Japanese tenka (“under heaven”). First recorded in U.S. birth data in 1969, it climbed modestly through the 1970s—peaking at rank 717 in 1977—before gradually slipping back into the lower reaches of the charts by the early 1990s. Pronounced teh-NEE-kuh (/tɛˈniːkə/), its three-syllable rhythm balances distinctiveness with phonetic clarity. Never a mainstream fixture, Teneka’s steady, if limited, presence over two decades speaks to its quiet appeal among parents seeking a name that feels fresh without requiring a lengthy introduction. It hasn’t exactly conquered the top of the charts, which in some circles is precisely its appeal, suggesting subtle intercultural resonance and a discreet confidence that endures.