Find out how popular the first name Terrence has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Terrence by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Terrence is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Terrence being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 134 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Terrence.

The history of the first name Terrence

The name Terrence derives from the Latin name Terentius, which was originally a Roman family name. It is believed to have originated from the Etruscan town of Tarquinii, located in what is now the region of Lazio, Italy. The name is thought to have come from the Etruscan word "tar(c)hna," meaning "to tarry" or "to delay."

Terrence gained widespread recognition in ancient Rome through the renowned playwright Publius Terentius Afer, commonly known as Terence. He was born around 195-185 BC in Carthage and brought to Rome as a slave, where he eventually gained his freedom and became one of the most celebrated comic dramatists of his time.

The name Terrence is also mentioned in the Bible. In the Book of Acts, chapter 23, verse 24, a Roman centurion named Claudius Lysias sends a letter to the governor Felix regarding the apostle Paul, using the Latin form "Terentius" to refer to himself.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Terrence in English literature is found in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," written in the late 14th century. The character named Terrence appears in the "Nun's Priest's Tale."

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Terrence. One prominent example is Terence Valen Trent, also known as Pope Callixtus III, who reigned as the Pope of the Catholic Church from 1455 to 1458. Another famous Terrence was Saint Terrence, a Roman martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD and is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

The name Terrence also gained recognition in the literary world through writers such as Terrence Rattigan (1911-1977), a British playwright known for his plays like "The Winslow Boy" and "The Browning Version." Additionally, the American playwright Terrence McNally (1938-2020) won numerous awards, including four Tony Awards, for his works like "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and "Master Class."

In the realm of science, Terrence Tao (born 1975) is an Australian-American mathematician who has made significant contributions to various fields, including harmonic analysis, partial differential equations, and combinatorics. He was awarded the prestigious Fields Medal in 2006.

These are just a few examples of the notable individuals who have carried the name Terrence throughout history, showcasing its enduring presence and significance across various cultures and disciplines.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Terrence was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Terrence, please contact us.

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