Given name & surname
Terrance
“learned”·“instigator”·“from an ancient Roman clan”
In English use, Terrance is a variant of Terence. Interpretations include “learned” (Latin), “instigator” (Latin), and “from an ancient Roman clan” (Latin). These may reflect different naming traditions.
Meaning & origin
What it means
In English use, Terrance is a variant of Terence. Interpretations include “learned” (Latin), “instigator” (Latin), and “from an ancient Roman clan” (Latin). These may reflect different naming traditions.
Explained through its name family
Where it comes from
In English use, Terrance is a variant of Terence. A possible origin is Latin, although the derivation remains uncertain.
Explained through its name family
The story
Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 1895. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin. In English use, Terrance is a variant of Terence. The history of Terence gives this family its wider story. Terence’s historical associations include the Roman playwright Marcus Terentius Afer, and later various early Christian saints.
Combines direct and name-family evidence
Terrance through the years
- Babies since 1880
- 70,921
- 70,170 boys · 751 girls
- Most popular year
- 1988
- 1,440 babies
- 2025
- 109
- #1,570 for boys
- 2021–25 vs 2016–20
- −42%
- Cooling
Where it’s given
By the numbers
In 2025, this name appeared in 109 U.S. birth records for boys, ranking No. 1,570 among boys’ names. Average annual use for boys was 41.8% lower in 2021–2025 than in 2016–2020. Its largest published annual count for boys was 1,424 in 1988. In 2025, Texas had the largest reported state-level birth count for boys with this name (14). Published U.S. population figures for this spelling include 51,100 as a first name in 2020; 699 as a surname in 2020.
From Social Security birth records and U.S. Census name counts for this exact spelling. Other spellings are counted separately.
Terrance’s family of names
In English usage, Terrance has a related form in Terence.
Inner ring: spellings · outer: nicknames and forms.
Nicknames & forms 2
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
Spellings & scripts 1
The same name written differently, including transliterations into other scripts.
People named Terrance
- Terrance Drew4th Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevisborn 1976
- SabuAmerican professional wrestler1964–2025
- Terry SawchukCanadian ice hockey player (1929–1970)
- T. J. FordNational Basketball Association playerborn 1983
- Terrance CauthenAmerican boxerborn 1976
- Terrance FergusonAmerican basketball player (born 1998)
- Terrance ZdunichAmerican actor, producer, artist, author, and composerborn 1976
- Terrance DicksEnglish writer (1935–2019)
- Terrance GoreAmerican baseball player1991–2026
Listed by how widely each person is written about, which says nothing about the name itself.
Similar names
If you love Terrance, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Terrell
“one who is stubborn” · “a powerful man”
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“son of Kevin”
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Tyrell
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Tyree
“one who is courteous”
>99% boys
Stephan
“crowned with garland”
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Devante
“one who fights wrongdoing”
>99% boys
Devonte
“one who is energetic”
>99% boys
Pierre
“as solid and strong as a rock”
>99% boys