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Terence

Boy name · 380 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Terence: 380 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 28 births in 1974.

Of Latin origin, Terence derives from the Roman family name Terentius, possibly from an Etruscan root meaning "tender" or "smooth." Its most famous bearer is the Roman playwright Publius Terentius Afer, better known as Terence, whose comedies have influenced Western literature for centuries. The name also belongs to actors like Terence Stamp and designer Sir Terence Conran, who reshaped modern British interiors. While no major places share the exact name, the variant spelling Terrence appears in place names like Terrence, Alberta. A common diminutive, Terry, became a standalone name in its own right. In Scotland, Terence has been a steady if modest choice since the 1970s, carrying a timeless, scholarly air that appeals to parents seeking a classic name with Roman gravitas.