Torrence

Meaning & origin

Torrence is a Scottish surname turned given name, reflecting a trend of using family names as first names that gained traction in the late 19th century. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 1912, but real traction came in the mid-20th century. It reached its highest rank at number 6,446 in 1973, when it was given to roughly 1 in every 131,390 newborns. However, since 1987, its usage has been on a steady decline. The name is unisex but has historically leaned masculine. Its top state usage is scattered, with no dominant state. For parents seeking a distinct, underused name with Scottish roots and a strong surname feel, Torrence offers a rare alternative to more common choices like Torrance or Trent.

Torrence is a transferred use of a Scottish surname, which itself originated as a locational name from a place in Ayrshire, Scotland. The place name likely derives from Gaelic elements 'tor' (a hill or mound) and possibly a diminutive suffix, meaning 'little hill'. The surname was brought to other English-speaking countries through emigration, and its use as a given name emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.