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 has seen a varied number of births over the years in the United States. Starting from 1938 with 5 births, there was an initial increase to 17 births by 1947. The peak period for this name appears to be between 1952 and 1966, during which there were consistently high numbers of births each year, ranging from 28 to 61.
After the late 1960s, the popularity of the name Terance started to decline. From 1973 onwards, there were less than 50 births per year until it reached a low point in 1998 with only 26 births. However, from 1999 onwards, there has been another slight increase in popularity, with the number of births fluctuating between 14 and 27.
Recently, the name Terance has seen fewer births each year, reaching as low as 5 births in both 2019 and 2022. Overall, from 1938 to 2022, there have been a total of 2,830 births with this name in the United States.