The name Torrence is believed to have originated from the Old French word "torrent," which means a violent stream or rush of water. It is thought to have been used as a surname initially, referring to someone who lived near a torrent or a fast-flowing stream.

The earliest recorded use of the name Torrence as a first name dates back to the late 16th century in Scotland. It is possible that the name was adopted as a first name by families living near torrents or streams in the Scottish Highlands.

One of the earliest known individuals with the first name Torrence was Torrence Robertson, a Scottish soldier who fought in the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). He was born in 1603 and is believed to have served in the Scottish Royalist Army under the command of James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose.

In the 17th century, the name Torrence gained popularity among Scottish Presbyterians. One notable bearer of the name was Torrence Cogan, a Scottish Presbyterian minister who lived from 1646 to 1720. He was known for his religious writings and sermons.

Another historical figure with the first name Torrence was Torrence Gillespie, a Scottish-American soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War. Born in 1755 in Scotland, he immigrated to America and served in the Continental Army under General George Washington.

In the 19th century, the name Torrence was also found in Ireland. Torrence O'Brien, an Irish poet and writer, was born in 1832 and is best known for his works celebrating Irish culture and nationalism.

As the name Torrence spread to other parts of the world, it was adopted by various families and individuals. One notable bearer of the name was Torrence Macdonald, an Australian explorer and surveyor who was born in 1854 and is credited with mapping large areas of Western Australia.

These are just a few examples of historical figures who bore the first name Torrence. While the name has its roots in Scotland and France, it has been embraced by individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures throughout history.