Declining since 1985, #2,410 for girls today.
Popularity of Terra since 1940
Babies named Terra per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 81 |
| 1950s | 365 |
| 1960s | 613 |
| 1970s | 4,766 |
| 1980s | 4,636 |
| 1990s | 2,437 |
| 2000s | 1,163 |
| 2010s | 886 |
| 2020s | 482 |
Meaning & origin
Terra, a Latin word meaning 'earth,' saw its first recorded U.S. use in 1940. It peaked in popularity in 1980 (rank 2410, 1 in 21,720) and has been falling in use since 1985. The name is most common in North Carolina, Texas, and California. Though never a top-tier name, Terra appeals to parents drawn to nature-themed names with a direct, earthy feel. Its simplicity and connection to the planet give it a grounded, modern quality.
Terra is a direct borrowing of the Latin word for 'earth' or 'land.' It has been used as a given name in English-speaking countries since the mid-20th century, often chosen for its natural, grounding connotation. The name gained modest popularity in the 1970s and 1980s alongside other nature-inspired names.
Where Terra 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
Nicknames: Terri, Tera
Variants: Tera
Sibling names for Terra
Names that share Terra's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Terra
Names whose popularity has moved with Terra's over the last 50 years.
