Declining since 1989.
Popularity of Terrill since 1917
Babies named Terrill per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 10 |
| 1920s | 0 | 27 |
| 1930s | 25 | 111 |
| 1940s | 198 | 526 |
| 1950s | 256 | 515 |
| 1960s | 122 | 464 |
| 1970s | 78 | 987 |
| 1980s | 29 | 724 |
| 1990s | 6 | 537 |
| 2000s | 0 | 243 |
| 2010s | 0 | 166 |
| 2020s | 0 | 55 |
Meaning & origin
Terrill is a given name that first appeared in United States birth records in 1917, though it never entered the top 1000 nationally. Its peak year was 1975, when it was given to fewer than 100 boys per million; since then its use has steadily declined, especially after 1989. While no state recorded enough Terrills to appear in the top-states list, the name saw scattered use across the country, particularly in the South and Midwest. Its falling trajectory over the past 35 years suggests it is becoming increasingly uncommon, and the most recent data for 2025 shows no measurable rank. For parents seeking a name that feels familiar yet rare, Terrill offers a vintage sound tied to mid-century America.
Terrill likely developed as a variant of the surname Terrell, which itself derives from the Old French personal name Tirel, possibly a nickname for someone who pulled or drew something (from Old French 'tirer', to pull). The name appeared in the United States as a given name in the early 20th century, gaining moderate popularity in the 1970s before declining.
Where Terrill 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
Sibling names for Terrill
Names that share Terrill's style, for a brother or sister.
