Meaning and history
Tendai is a Shona given name used for more than one gender, derived from a verb meaning “be thankful” or “give thanks.” It belongs to a southern African naming tradition in which names can express gratitude, faith, or family circumstances. Tendai is also the Japanese name of a Buddhist school derived from Chinese Tiantai, but that institutional term is linguistically unrelated to the Shona personal name. Notable bearers include Zimbabwean rugby player Tendai Mtawarira and cricketer Tendai Chatara.