Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Terry
BoyEnglish, Germanic· “from Theodoric”
- Meaning
- from Theodoric
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- TEH-ree
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,116
- US babies 2025
- 192
- Best rank
- #26 (1946)
- Peak year
- 1957
Meaning and origin of Terry
Terry is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “from Theodoric”.
Terry began as an English surname that came from the Norman French Thierry, a form of the Germanic Theodoric, "ruler of the people." In the twentieth century it became widely used as a first name and also as a short form of Terence for boys and Theresa for girls. Terry has a friendly, easygoing feel and was especially popular in the mid-twentieth century. The Canadian athlete Terry Fox, known for his cross-country run to raise money for cancer research, is a famous bearer. Spellings include Terri, Teri and Terrie.
Other spellings with the same sound: Terri, Teri, Terrie, Tarry.
Popularity over time
Terry has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 140 different years. Its best national rank was #26 in 1946, and the most babies received it in 1957, when 15,624 were named Terry. In 2025, 192 babies were named Terry, and it ranked #1,116 nationally. That is 51% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #514 in 1920, #30 in 1950, #101 in 1980, #331 in 2000, #498 in 2010, and #1,116 in 2025. Of the 424,523 US boys named Terry since records began, 33% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 101,489 babies. Since 2010, 5,300 more have been named Terry.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Randy, Bruce, Douglas, Ricky, and Keith.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Terry ranked highest in Mississippi, Missouri, and Michigan.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #460 | 7 |
| Missouri | #704 | 8 |
| Michigan | #709 | 11 |
| Ohio | #794 | 11 |
| Kentucky | #805 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Terry over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Terry is usually pronounced TEH-ree, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with T and ends in “-ry”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Terri, Teri, Terrie, and Tarry.
Middle names for Terry
A few middle names that flow with Terry: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Terry
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Lists that include Terry
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Terry mean?
Terry is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “from Theodoric”.
What is the origin of the name Terry?
Terry has English and Germanic roots. Terry began as an English surname that came from the Norman French Thierry, a form of the Germanic Theodoric, "ruler of the people." In the twentieth century it became widely used as a first name and also as a short form of Terence for boys and Theresa for girls.
Is Terry a popular name?
Not especially. Terry ranked #1,116 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Terry a boy or girl name?
Terry is mainly a boy's name. About 97% of US babies named Terry over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Terry?
Terry is usually pronounced TEH-ree. 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