Terence is a masculine given name of Latin origin that means "from Tuscany." It was originally derived from the Latin word "Tuscus," which referred to something or someone originating from Tuscany, a region in central Italy.
The name Terence gained popularity during the Roman Empire and was often used for slaves who were brought into Rome from Tuscany. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, many early saints and martyrs adopted the name Terence, which contributed to its widespread use among Christians.
In literature, one of the most notable references to the name Terence can be found in the plays of Roman comic playwright Titus Maccius Plautus, who wrote about a slave named "Tranio" whose character was later adapted into the French form "Terence." Today, Terence remains a popular given name for boys and has been used by many notable figures throughout history.
Overall, Terence is an attractive and historic name with roots in ancient Roman culture. Its meaning adds to its charm, as it connects directly to one of Italy's most beautiful regions.
The name Terence experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a noticeable peak during the mid-20th century. From the late 1800s to around the 1960s, the number of annual births named Terence ranged from a low of 5 to a high of 1083 (in 1947). However, since the 1970s, there has been a consistent decline in the popularity of the name Terence, with fewer than 200 births per year recorded after 1976. In recent years, the number of babies named Terence has fallen dramatically, with only 37 births in 2023 being recorded. Overall, there were a total of 34,195 births with the name Terence between 1885 and 2023.