"smooth, tender"
Origin: Latin/Oscan
Language: English
Terence
Pronunciation: [ t-EHR-uhns ]
Does Terence flow with your last name?
A Roman playwright's name with timeless humanist gravitas
English
Irish
American
Classic
Strong
Traditional
Vintage
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Meaning & Origin
"from the Roman Gens Terentia"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
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The Story of Terence
Terence derives from the Roman family name Terentius, possibly from the Oscan word for smooth or tender. The name was borne by the great Roman playwright Publius Terentius Afer, known as Terence, who flourished in the 2nd century BC. His refined comedies influenced Western theatre for 2,000 years.
Terence peaked in the English-speaking world in the mid-20th century, particularly popular in the 1950s-70s. It is now considered a classic that sounds dated to many, though it retains a distinguished intellectual quality.
The Roman playwright Terence wrote the famous line I am human, I consider nothing human alien to me — one of the most quoted expressions of universal humanist philosophy. The name carries remarkable intellectual gravitas.
Historical Record
Terence first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 29,952 babies have been named Terence in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Terence is past its peak , currently ranked #2,926 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Terence the playwright was born a slave in North Africa and became one of Rome's greatest writers
- His phrase about human kinship is one of the most quoted in Western philosophy
- Terence Howard and Terence Stamp are notable modern bearers of the name
Terence in Other Languages
Irish
Toireadhach
Latin
Terentius
French
Terence
Italian
Terenzio
Spanish
Terencio
Popularity Over Time
#2,926
Current Rank
Peaked 1964
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Terence
T
Terence Howard
Actor
1969
American actor known for Hustle and Flow, Iron Man, and Empire
T
Terence Stamp
Actor
1938
British actor known for Billy Budd, The Limey, and Superman II
T
Terence (Publius Terentius Afer)
Writer
Roman playwright of North African origin, 2nd century BC, whose comedies profoundly influenced Western drama
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,926
- Total SSA Count
- 43
- Cultural Origins
- English Irish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Terry
Tez
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Terence
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Terence is also used as a girl name, ranked #23193.
View Terence as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Terence
What does the name Terence mean?
"smooth, tender" (from Latin/Oscan). "from the Roman Gens Terentia" (from Latin). Terence derives from the Roman family name Terentius, possibly from the Oscan word for smooth or tender. The name was borne by the great Roman playwright Publius Terentius Afer, known as Terence, who flourished in the 2nd century BC. His refined comedies influenced Western theatre for 2,000 years.
What is the origin of the name Terence?
Terence has Latin/Oscan, Latin, English, Irish, and American origins. In Latin/Oscan, it means "smooth, tender". In Latin, it means "from the Roman Gens Terentia".
Is Terence a boy or girl name?
Terence is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2926. As a girl name, it is ranked #23193. Terence is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Terence?
Terence is pronounced t-EHR-uhns.
How popular is the name Terence?
Terence is currently ranked #2926 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Terence?
Common nicknames for Terence include Terry and Tez.
What are good middle names for Terence?
Popular middle name pairings include Terence James, Terence Patrick, Terence Michael, Terence William, Terence Joseph, Terence Anthony, and Terence Edward.
What are good sibling names for Terence?
Names that pair well with Terence as siblings include Lawrence, Colin, Brendan, Maureen, Patricia, Gerard, and Sheila.
How many syllables does Terence have?
Terence has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Terence a common or rare name?
Terence is an uncommon name, ranked #2926 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Terence
Terence is a boy name with English, Irish, and American origins . The name means "smooth, tender" in Latin/Oscan .
Is Terence a boy or girl name? Terence is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,926 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #23,193. Terence is more commonly used as a boy name.
Terence is currently ranked #2,926 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Terence has 2 syllables and is pronounced t-EHR-uhns, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Terence include Terry and Tez. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis