The name Terrance originated from the Latin name Tertius, which was a Roman family name derived from the word "tertius," meaning "third." It was a common practice for Roman families to give their children names based on their birth order, and Tertius was given to the third-born child.

Tertius evolved into various forms in different regions and languages. In French, it became Terrence or Térrence, while in English, it took the form of Terrance or Terence. The name gained popularity during the medieval period and was commonly used among Christian families, particularly in England and Ireland.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Terrance can be found in the 12th century when a monk named Terence of Peterborough (c. 1120-1193) wrote a chronicle of English history. Another notable figure was Terence, a Roman playwright (c. 195-159 BC), whose comedies were widely studied and admired in ancient Rome and throughout the Middle Ages.

In the 17th century, Terence Trent (c. 1610-1680), an English politician and writer, was a prominent figure during the English Civil War. Later, in the 18th century, Terence O'Neill (c. 1730-1798), an Irish politician and revolutionary, played a significant role in the Irish Rebellion of 1798.

Other notable individuals with the name Terrance include Terence Rattigan (1911-1977), an English playwright known for his works such as "The Winslow Boy" and "The Browning Version," and Terence Trent D'Arby (born 1962), an American singer-songwriter best known for his hit single "Sign Your Name."

Throughout history, the name Terrance has been associated with individuals from various backgrounds, including writers, politicians, artists, and performers. Its origins in Latin and its evolution through different languages and cultures have contributed to its enduring popularity and widespread use.