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Terrence

Quick answerTerrence derives from the Latin name Terentius, meaning "smooth" or "tender," rooted in the Latin word "terere" (to rub or wear smooth).

English · Boy · 2 syllables

T
Top 5,000

Popularity & facts

Relative popularity index, 2010–2025
GenderBoy
US Rank#1,600
TrendFalling ↓
Peak year1955
Syllables2
OriginEnglish
LanguageEnglish
CultureEnglish
ReligionChristianity
Letters8
Numerology7 Chaldean 4
Global rank#327

Popularity over time

Popularity index
Hover the line to see any year. 100 = most popular.

Historical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data

About the name Terrence

Terrence derives from the Latin name Terentius, meaning "smooth" or "tender," rooted in the Latin word "terere" (to rub or wear smooth).

Cross-referenced with Wikidata/Wikipedia. AI-assisted, community-reviewable. Suggest an improvement.

Etymology

Terrence derives from the Latin name Terentius, meaning "smooth" or "tender," rooted in the Latin word "terere" (to rub or wear smooth). The name was borne by the Roman playwright Terence and became common in Christian cultures, particularly among English-speaking and Irish populations, with notable historical figures including Saint Terrence and various Irish saints.

Terrence currently ranks #1,600 in the United States as a boy's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1955.

Variants & nicknames

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