Tempest is an English feminine name derived from the Latin tempestās, which passed through Old French into Middle English as a term for a powerful storm. Historically employed both as a surname and a poetic descriptor, it achieved its most enduring cultural association in Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, where the storm motif conveys magic, authority and transformation. In contemporary Anglo-American usage, Tempest remains rare—its U.S. ranking has hovered in the 900s over the past decade—appealing to parents who desire a distinctive yet unfussy choice. Pronounced TEM-pist, the name’s concise two-syllable form balances clarity with strength and works equally well on its own or with a variety of nicknames. Parents selecting Tempest need not brace for actual weather disturbances, though they should prepare for occasional literary references.
| Tempest Anderson - |
| Tempest Storm - |