What does Terence mean and where does it come from?
Terence is originally a masculine name derived from the Roman family name Terentius. It has been used as a female name in recent years, particularly in the United States. The name carries connotations of kindness and gentleness. There are notable figures with this name, including Terence McKenna, an
Cultural significance
Terence has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #4389 in 1964 — currently #1309 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Terence?
Terence works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Terence Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Terence Rose
Floral · soft ending
Terence Mae
Sweet · timeless
Terence Claire
French influence · crisp
Terence Jane
Literary · strong
Terence Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Terence right now?
Holding steady — currently #1309 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1309 | 891 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1314 | 871 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1319 | 841 | ▲ up 4384 · +6908% births |
| 1985 | #5703 | 12 | ▲ up 824 · +50% births |
| 1975 | #6527 | 8 | ▲ up 596 · +33% births |
| 1970 | #7123 | 6 | ▼ down 1207 · +20% births |
| 1955 | #5916 | 5 | — |
The story of Terence
Terence entered American naming records in 1947 and has been in use for over 77 years. A total of 34,209 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5916 in 1955 to #1309 in 2023. Terence is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Terence in 1964:
Terence by decade
Terence peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 23 | |
| 1900s | 14 | |
| 1910s | 169 | |
| 1920s | 413 | |
| 1930s | 866 | |
| 1940s | 2,811 | |
| 1950s | 6,344 | |
| 1960s ★ | 7,860 | |
| 1970s | 4,807 | |
| 1980s | 5,116 | |
| 1990s | 3,179 | |
| 2000s | 1,492 | |
| 2010s | 1,056 | |
| 2020s | 59 | |
What are good nicknames for Terence?
Famous people named Terence
T(
Terence (Renaissance scholar)
Terence used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
T(
Terence (Renaissance scholar)
Terence used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
T(
Terence (historical Roman figure)
Terence carried this name during the Roman Empire, giving it the enduring weight of classical civilization.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Terence?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Terence also consider these
How is Terence written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Terence
What does the name Terence mean?
Terence means "Latin" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Terence?
Terence is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Terence?
Terence originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Terence?
Terence pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Terence a common or rare name?
Terence is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.