Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Tera since 1885
Babies named Tera per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1984, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Tera's real moment was 1974.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 34 |
| 1900s | 54 |
| 1910s | 74 |
| 1920s | 97 |
| 1930s | 41 |
| 1940s | 91 |
| 1950s | 130 |
| 1960s | 505 |
| 1970s | 3,574 |
| 1980s | 3,279 |
| 1990s | 1,246 |
| 2000s | 550 |
| 2010s | 180 |
| 2020s | 58 |
Meaning & origin
The name Tera first appeared in U.S. records in 1885, a relatively early date for a name that never achieved widespread popularity. Its peak year was 1974, when it was most often chosen for newborn girls. Since 1985, its usage has been on a downward trajectory, and it now falls outside the top 1,000 names. Tera's meaning is uncertain: it may be a modern variant of Tara, an Irish name meaning 'hill' or a Sanskrit word for 'star,' or a feminine form of Terence. Without a clear etymology or a strong cultural anchor, Tera remains a rare and somewhat mysterious choice, favored by a small number of parents seeking a simple, two-syllable name that echoes more familiar names like Tara.
The name Tera first appeared in the late 19th century, with early records in the United States dating to 1885. It is most likely a modern coinage, possibly inspired by the more established name Tara, which has Irish and Sanskrit associations. Alternatively, it may be a feminine form of Terence, a Latin name meaning 'tender' or 'gracious.' Tera saw its peak popularity in 1974, ranking among the top 1,000 names for girls at that time. Since the mid-1980s, its usage has steadily declined, and it is now rarely given.
Where Tera is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Tera
Names that share Tera's style, for a brother or sister.
