Terance is a distinctive and unique name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "Tertius," which means "third." This name has been used throughout history in various forms and variations, such as Terrance, Terence, or even Terrenso.
The name Terance first gained popularity during the Roman Empire, where it was often given to children born as third sons in families. The practice of naming a child after their ordinal position was common among Romans, with the most popular names being Tertius, Secundus (second), and Primus (first).
In medieval Europe, the name Terance continued to be used, particularly in France where it was often found in documents as "Térence" or "Terens." It also spread to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many French-speaking nobles brought their names with them.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne this name. One of the most famous is Publius Terentius Afer, known simply as Terence, who was a Roman playwright from the Republican period. His comedies, written in Latin, are still studied today and have had a significant influence on Western literature.
Today, Terance remains an uncommon but interesting choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive name with a rich history behind it. Its unique sound and Latin origins make it stand out among more common names, while its meaning adds depth and significance to those who bear it. Despite not being as widely used as some other Latin-derived names like Alexander or Theodore, Terance continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking something different yet meaningful.
The name Terance experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. It had a relatively steady increase from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, peaking at 61 births in 1964. However, it declined sharply thereafter, dropping below 50 births per year by 1972. From the late 1970s onwards, Terance became quite uncommon, with fewer than 50 births each year until 2008. Since then, it has been extremely rare, with annual births typically in single digits or even below that threshold. In total, there have been 2830 recorded births named Terance from 1938 to 2022.