Boy · Latin · Christian
Terence
TerenceSay it TER-uns
- Meaning today
- Soft, smooth, tender
- Original meaning
- "from Terentius, a Roman family name; Lewis & Short give no meaning" Lewis & Short, s.v. Terentius
- Say it
- TER-uns
- Other spellings
- Terrence, Terrance
Terence
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Terence meaning
Terence is a Christian boy's name of Latin origin.
Meaning today
Soft, smooth, tender
Original Latin meaning
"from Terentius, a Roman family name; Lewis & Short give no meaning"
Source: Lewis & Short, A Latin Dictionary (1879), s.v. Terentius · entry Terentius · See the entry · checked 25 Oct 2026
Terence is the English form of Terentius, the name of an old Roman family. Lewis & Short record it only as a gens name and list famous members such as Publius Terentius Afer, the comic playwright born in Carthage whom English speakers call Terence, and the scholar Marcus Terentius Varro; they give no meaning for it. Name lists often say 'soft, smooth' or 'tender', but those glosses are modern guesses, not attested senses. In India Terence is used in Christian families, and the choreographer Terence Lewis is a well-known bearer.
References: Lewis & Short, Terentius (alatius.com) · Wikipedia, Terence · Wikipedia, Terence Lewis
Famous namesakes
- Terence (Publius Terentius Afer), Roman comic playwright
- Terence Lewis, Indian choreographer
Spellings
Terence · Terrence · Terrance