Tera is a unique and captivating female given name of Greek origin. Derived from the Greek word "tera," which means "earth" or "land," this name signifies connection to nature, stability, and fertility.
The use of Tera as a given name is relatively recent, with its popularity rising in the late 20th century. It is believed that the name was popularized by American writer Jack Vance's science fiction series "Tschai," where the planet Tschai is referred to as Tera. This association has contributed to the name's distinctive and futuristic appeal.
Despite its modern usage, the name Tera has historical roots in ancient Greek mythology. In some versions of the myth, Gaia, the personification of Earth, gives birth to Tera, the goddess of fertility and abundance. This connection lends the name a sense of timelessness and mystical significance.
Today, Tera is often chosen by parents seeking a strong, unique, and meaningful name for their daughters. It offers a blend of modern style with ancient roots, making it an appealing choice for those looking for something distinctive yet classic.
In terms of pronunciation, Tera is typically pronounced as /ˈtɪərə/ or /ˈtɛərə/, rhyming with "area" or "eh-rah." However, its pronunciation can vary depending on regional preferences and cultural influences.
The name Tera experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable increase starting around 1967 and peaking between 1970 to 1985. Between 1970 and 1985 alone, there were over 3,400 births, with the highest year being 1982 at 416 births. After reaching its peak in the mid-80s, the popularity of the name Tera began to decline steadily, dropping to as low as 9 births in some recent years (2017 and 2018). In total, there have been 9,909 recorded births with the name Tera since 1885.