Declining since 1988, #1,564 for boys today.
Popularity of Terrance since 1895
Babies named Terrance per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1988, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Terrance's real moment was 1979.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 127 |
| 1920s | 289 |
| 1930s | 1,120 |
| 1940s | 5,457 |
| 1950s | 9,834 |
| 1960s | 9,059 |
| 1970s | 11,884 |
| 1980s | 12,570 |
| 1990s | 9,547 |
| 2000s | 5,646 |
| 2010s | 3,607 |
| 2020s | 1,025 |
Meaning & origin
Terrance is a given name that emerged as a variant spelling of Terence, a name with ancient Latin roots. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1895, but its most notable surge came during the 20th century, reaching a peak rank of 1564 in 1979, when it was given to roughly 1 in 15,670 boys. Since 1988, its usage has steadily declined, though it remains a recognizable choice, especially in states like Mississippi, Georgia, and Illinois, where it saw the highest concentration. The trajectory reflects broader shifts in naming preferences, as once-common traditional names gave way to newer styles. Despite its fall from peak popularity, Terrance carries a classic, sturdy feel, and its association with the Roman playwright lends it a subtle literary heritage.
Terrance is a variant of Terence, which comes from the Latin nomen Terentius, a Roman family name of uncertain etymology. It was borne by the Roman playwright Publius Terentius Afer (Terence), whose comedies were popular in the Middle Ages. The name became established in English-speaking countries by the 20th century, with the spelling Terrance notably used in the United States.
Where Terrance is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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: Terry, T
Sibling names for Terrance
Names that share Terrance's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kimberly, Valerie, Denise, Yvette, Renee, Lashanda, Tamekia, Kenyetta, Rashelle, Shanelle, Shantell, Taneshia, Terrica, Tomeka, Candise, Charice, Darnisha, Dawanna, Deaundra, Denetra, Dewanda, Katasha, Kennisha, Martisha, Melisha, Myeshia, Philicia, Shalena, Sharene, Shawntel, Shenequa, Sheria, Tameca, Telicia, Teneka, Terina, Terriana, Tinika, Tinisha, Toccara, Towanna, Charmel, Cherell, Cherrell, Denicia, Jamekia, Jawanna, Kaniesha, Kevonna, Kimala, Lacosta, Lacreshia, Laterra, Latravia, Monice, Raynisha, Shakema, Shalinda, Shamona, Shanavia, Sharonica, Shontavia, Shundra, Tacarra, Taletha, Tanecia, Temekia, Tenita, Markeda, Chakita, Cherica, Derrika, Johnika, Lacresia, Larrisha, Lateria, Latorria, Mariesha, Porchea, Ralonda, Shadasia, Shalandria, Shalunda, Sharnell, Shaterra, Shawndrea, Taccara, Tericka, Timica, Tomeko, Toniesha, Trameka, Trenee, Trenice
Brothers: Reginald, Derrick, Elton, Darnell, Lester, Jarrell, Jerrell, Marques, Tyron, Danthony, Dashon, Demetric, Jamichael, Jerell, Jerone, Marquell, Romell, Rondell, Antwann, Cordarius, Jermell, Tarrell, Tedrick, Tierre, Antionne, Devarius, Dreshaun, Jacquese, Javontay, Jeremaine, Jermale, Kentrel, Lamel, Martese, Montavius, Quashaun, Rashod, Rondarius, Terelle, Terion, Quentavious, Antavius, Antwaine, Cordarious, Cordarryl, Courtez, Danzell, Davarious, Demerius, Demitrus, Denario, Deondrick, Dontrez, Kendarrius, Larrell, Markevius, Montarius, Montrelle, Quinterrius, Tremell
Names like Terrance
Names whose popularity has moved with Terrance's over the last 50 years.
