Find out how popular the last name Terr is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Terr.

Terr, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Terr surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Terr in America

Terr is the 118954th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Terr surname appeared 135 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Terr.

The history of the last name Terr

The surname Terr is relatively rare and has a dense and rich history. The surname most likely finds its origins in the European continent, particularly from regions that speak Romance languages. The earliest records suggest a French or Catalan origin, possibly dating back to medieval times roughly around the 12th or 13th centuries. The name might have derived from the Old French word "terre," meaning "land" or "earth," likely referring to someone who owned land or worked with the earth.

Etymologically, the surname can be traced back to the Latin word "terra," which also means "earth" or "ground." Variations and similar spellings such as Terre, Terré, or Ter could have existed, often influenced by regional dialects and linguistic shifts. Historical references to the surname can be found in several medieval manuscripts and records. For instance, an old record in the Archives Nationales in Paris mentions a Jehan de Terre, noted as a landowner in the year 1234, highlighting the surname's association with land possession.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the surname in England can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Although the name is not explicitly listed as "Terr," similar-sounding names like "Terra" appear, showing links to landownership and the feudal system. Another significant instance includes a 14th-century Catalan manuscript that mentions a Ramon de Terr, a notable figure in the local agrarian community.

Throughout history, several individuals with the surname Terr have made notable contributions. For instance, Pierre Terr (1685-1753) was a prominent French farmer known for his innovative agricultural techniques in the Bordeaux region. Another significant figure was Maria de Terr (1672-1721), a noted Catalan poet whose works remain studied in the context of Catalan literature. Additionally, Robert Terr (1832-1907) was a recognized French naturalist who contributed extensively to the study of botany and the classification of Mediterranean flora.

In the 19th century, Elena Terr, née Garibay (1861-1923), emerged as an influential Spanish educator and writer, advocating for women's education and rights in Spain. Another important figure from the same period is Charles Terr (1847-1910), an English industrialist whose innovations in textile manufacturing had a lasting impact on the industry in northern England.

The surname Terr, though not exceedingly common, reflects a history deeply intertwined with land, agriculture, and prominent societal contributions in various regions from medieval to modern times. The variations in the surname across different cultures highlight the adaptability and enduring legacy of this name throughout European history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Terr

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Terr.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Terr was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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