Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Terra
GirlLatin· “earth”
- Meaning
- earth
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- TEH-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,434
- US babies 2025
- 74
- Best rank
- #379 (1980)
- Peak year
- 1980
Meaning and origin of Terra
Terra is a Latin name that means “earth”.
Terra is the Latin word for earth, and in Roman mythology Terra, or Terra Mater, was the personification of the earth, equivalent to the Greek Gaia. As a given name, Terra carries a strong connection to nature, stability and the planet itself. It became more common in the English-speaking world in the later twentieth century, sometimes seen as a variant of Tara. Terra has a grounded, earthy feel and a simple sound.
Popularity over time
Terra first appears in US Social Security records in 1940. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 27 different years, starting in 1970. Its best national rank was #379 in 1980, the same year it reached its highest count of 604 babies. In 2025, 74 babies were named Terra, and it ranked #2,434 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,894 in 1950, #379 in 1980, #1,230 in 2000, #2,384 in 2010, and #2,434 in 2025. Of the 15,429 US girls named Terra since records began, 31% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 4,636 babies. Since 2010, 1,368 more have been named Terra.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Tiffani, Melisa, Renata, Latosha, and Tiffanie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Terra ranked highest in North Carolina, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | #1663 | 5 |
| California | #2741 | 7 |
| Texas | #2894 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Terra is usually pronounced TEH-ruh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with T and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Terra
A few middle names that flow with Terra: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Terra
Similar names
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Lists that include Terra
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Terra mean?
Terra is a Latin name that means “earth”.
What is the origin of the name Terra?
Terra has Latin roots. Terra is the Latin word for earth, and in Roman mythology Terra, or Terra Mater, was the personification of the earth, equivalent to the Greek Gaia.
Is Terra a popular name?
Not especially. Terra ranked #2,434 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Terra a boy or girl name?
Terra is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Terra?
Terra is usually pronounced TEH-ruh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings