The surname Terrible is rather uncommon and originates in Italy during the medieval period, specifically in the regions of southern Italy, such as Sicily and Calabria. The name is derived from the Italian word terribile, which translates to "terrible" or "formidable" in English. In the context of naming, this could have referred to someone regarded as intimidating or awe-inspiring, characteristics that might have been notable in a small, tight-knit community.

The earliest recorded examples of the surname Terrible can be traced back to Italian medieval manuscripts from the 13th century, though the exact documents are sparse and not widely catalogued. One of the oldest mentions appears in an ecclesiastical document in Sicily dating back to 1287, referencing a certain Giovanni Terrible. The document is a land grant, suggesting that Giovanni was a person of some standing in the community.

Another early instance of this surname was found in a Sicilian market record from 1332, where an individual named Marco Terrible is noted as a merchant dealing in spices. This suggests that the Terrible family may have been involved in trade and commerce during this period. Intricate records from trade guilds frequently contained names, and as such, Marco's name stands as a historical marker of the family's early economic involvement.

In the 15th century, the name Terrible appears in the military records of the Kingdom of Naples. One notable figure is Antonio Terrible, a knight born in 1419 who participated in campaigns against the Turkish incursions. His military service is recorded in a muster roll from 1456, where he is mentioned as a captain of a company of soldiers.

During the 16th century, the name appears in the records of the Spanish Inquisition, which held sway in various Italian territories at the time. A notable reference is to a Don Carlo Terrible, who was born in 1527 and came under scrutiny in 1570. He was accused of heresy but was cleared of all charges, suggesting that the Terrible family perhaps held significant influence or sway to endure such trials.

In the 18th century, Giacomo Terrible, born in 1743, emerged as a significant figure in the arts. He was a well-known painter based in Naples whose works adorned several churches in the region. Giacomo's artistry added a cultural dimension to the family's history, marking a shift from prior martial and mercantile associations to contributions in the Renaissance art movement.

Throughout its history, the surname Terrible has been linked with various spheres of public life in southern Italy, from commerce and the military to the arts. The name itself reflecting an air of formidable presence or societal stature, continues to intrigue both genealogists and cultural historians.