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Terence Boy

Popularity: #881 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationTER-ens / /ˈtɛr.əns/

Latin; Irish

Meaning

Latin: 'to be tender'; Irish: 'from the territory of Tara'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Terence is derived from the Latin name "Terentius," which is believed to be of uncertain origin, possibly linked to the Etruscan language. The earliest recorded use of the name can be traced back to the Roman playwright Publius Terentius Afer, commonly known as Terence, who lived in the 2nd century BCE. His works, which include comedies such as "Andria" and "Heautontimorumenos," were significant in the development of Roman literature and have influenced later European drama. The name entered the English language through the Latin during the Middle Ages, particularly as the works of Terence were studied in medieval educational institutions, contributing to its adoption in various forms across Europe.

In the early Christian era, the name Terence was associated with several saints, including Saint Terence, who is venerated in some Christian traditions. The name's presence in religious contexts helped solidify its usage throughout the centuries. Additionally, the name was popular among the Roman aristocracy, which further contributed to its endurance in various cultures. By the Renaissance, Terence was well-established in literary and scholarly circles, often evoking the classical heritage of Rome.

Culturally, Terence has been associated with qualities such as wit and intelligence, largely due to the legacy of the playwright. The name has also inspired various diminutive forms and adaptations in different languages, though these variations are less commonly noted in historical texts. Overall, Terence reflects a rich historical tapestry, linking ancient Roman culture with the development of European literature and the Christian tradition.

Trend Summary

The name Terence has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Terrence
  • Terry

International Variants

  • Terencio (Spanish)
  • Terence (French)
  • Terêncio (Portuguese)

Famous people named Terence

Terence Stamp is an actor best known for The Collector, Superman II, and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Terence McKenna was an ethnobotanist and mystic best known for his work on psychedelics and consciousness exploration.

Terence Tao is a mathematician best known for his contributions to harmonic analysis, partial differential equations, and additive combinatorics.

Terence Hill is an actor and director best known for My Name Is Nobody, They Call Me Trinity, and the Trinity series.

Fictional characters named Terence

Terence is a fictional character from the animated series Tinker Bell. He is a kind and loyal fairy who serves as a friend and love interest to Tinker Bell.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Terence was first seen in the United States in 1885. Terence has ranked as high as #493 nationally, which occurred in 1964, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Terence has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Terence (2024)

StateBirthsShare
VA 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18859
18875
18889
19046
19068
19115
191219
191310
191419
191520
191622
191726
191822
191926
192046
192168
192242
192338
192437
192528
192631
192739
192833
192951
193044
193148
193274
193363
193466
193597
1936108
1937120
1938126
1939120
1940136
1941171
1942203
1943264
1944212
1945243
1946349
1947436
1948402
1949390
1950447
1951405
1952445
1953478
1954661
1955767
1956887
1957795
1958715
1959740
1960754
1961729
1962747
1963809
19641,015
1965768
1966805
1967766
1968786
1969624
1970595
1971539
1972529
1973502
1974485
1975480
1976421
1977425
1978406
1979380
1980395
1981413
1982479
1983524
1984551
1985549
1986503
1987481
1988595
1989572
1990482
1991425
1992437
1993358
1994343
1995289
1996247
1997172
1998204
1999223
2000202
2001164
2002148
2003177
2004136
2005122
2006138
2007145
2008130
2009129
2010143
2011127
2012135
2013116
2014111
2015101
201697
201781
201870
201977
202059
202156
202261
202337
202443