Terra is a unisex name of Latin origin, derived from the word "terra," which means "earth" in English. The name Terra has been popular among parents who wish to honor nature and the environment, as it directly translates to mean "land" or "soil." In some cultures, the name Terra is also associated with the goddess Terra Mater, who was worshipped by ancient Romans as the personification of Mother Earth.
The use of Terra as a given name began in the United States during the 1970s and gained popularity over time. It has since become a popular choice for parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children. In some cases, the name Terra may be used as a feminine variant of Terrance or Terrence, which are traditional male names of English origin.
In terms of history, there is no significant historical figure named Terra that stands out in particular. However, the name has been used by various individuals throughout history, often as a middle name or nickname. For example, American musician and songwriter Jeff Buckley was born Scott Moorhead but was later known professionally as Jeff Buckley. His mother, Mary Guillory, gave him the middle name Terra after his birth in 1966.
Overall, Terra is a unique and meaningful name with a strong connection to nature and the environment. While it may not have a long history of use as a given name, its Latin origins and association with Mother Earth make it a compelling choice for parents looking for something distinctive and significant.
The name Terra has seen a fascinating journey in popularity over the years in the United States. In its earliest records from 1940 to 1967, it was quite rare, with fewer than 75 births per year. However, starting in 1968, there was a notable increase in its usage, reaching a peak of 277 births in 1970.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Terra maintained a steady popularity, with an average of around 450 to 600 births per year. It even surpassed the 700-mark twice, in 1982 and 1983. However, from the mid-1980s onwards, its popularity began to decline steadily.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Terra had become much less common, with fewer than 200 births per year. It continued to trend downward in popularity, dropping below 100 births per year in 2014.
Despite this decline, Terra has managed to maintain a steady presence in recent years, with around 70 to 90 births per year from 2015 to the present day. This indicates that while it may not be as popular as it once was, Terra is still a name parents choose for their daughters.
In total, since records began in 1940 up until 2023, there have been 15,281 babies named Terra born in the United States. This demonstrates that while its popularity has fluctuated over time, Terra remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents across several generations.