Terrance

Terrance is a spelling of Terence, derived from the Roman family name Terentius. Its deeper meaning is unknown, so translations such as “soft” or “thresher” should not be presented as established facts. The name’s documented history is more secure than those attempts to assign it a literal definition.

The Roman playwright Publius Terentius Afer, known in English as Terence, and the scholar Marcus Terentius Varro are important historical bearers of the older family name. Terrance and Terrence are later English spelling forms, while Terry is a familiar shortening. The similar opening of Terrell does not make it the same name: Terrell has a separate surname history. Terrance’s strongest connection is to the Roman name family.