Terrence is a masculine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman family name Terentius, which is believed to have been taken from the Etruscan city of Tuscany in Italy. The name Terentius was traditionally associated with the ancient Roman gens Terentia, one of the oldest and most prestigious patrician families in Rome.
The meaning of the name Terrence is commonly interpreted as "smooth" or "fluent," although some sources suggest it may also mean "from Tuscany" or "of Etruscan origin." Throughout history, the name has been borne by several notable figures. For instance, Publius Terentius Afer, better known simply as Terence, was a prominent Roman playwright of the Republican period.
Despite its ancient roots, Terrence remains a relatively uncommon given name today. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it has consistently ranked among the least popular boy names since records began being kept in 1900. Nevertheless, Terrence continues to be used as a given name and is sometimes chosen for its unique sound and historical significance.
In literature and media, Terrence has been used as a character name on occasion. For example, it appears in works such as "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde and the television series "Breaking Bad." However, overall, the name's use remains relatively sparse compared to more popular choices.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Terrence experienced a significant surge in popularity from around 1932 onwards, with a peak in the late 1930s and early 1940s, reaching over 600 births per year between 1935 and 1947. However, since the mid-1980s, there has been a steady decline in its usage, with fewer than 200 births per year recorded after 2000. By 2022, the name Terrence was given to only 134 newborns, indicating that it is now quite rare compared to its historical popularity.