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Home › Baby Names Directory › Terry

Terry

♀ Girl

Pronounced TAIR-ee /ˈtɛr.i/High

Meaning: A short form of Teresa/Theresa (variously 'a harvester; late summer', Greek) or Terrence ('smooth; polished', Latin); used for both sexes; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A harvester; a short form: Terry forms Teresa. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'TAIR-ee'). Used for both sexes.
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Origin LowGreek
MeaningA short form of Teresa/Theresa (variously 'a harvester; late summer', Greek) or Terrence ('smooth; polished', Latin); used for both sexes; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#10047 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births10 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1955
Total births (all-time)≈ 96,954

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195518922025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Terry is a short form of Teresa/Theresa (variously 'a harvester; late summer', Greek) or Terrence ('smooth; polished', Latin); used for both sexes (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, classic name (here for a girl; slug distinguished; said 'TAIR-ee').

In the U.S. it appears as a mid-century short form. Rare today, a-harvester at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Teresa is variously 'a harvester; late summer' in Greek — Terry is a short form (also of Terrence for boys), crisp and friendly, used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'TAIR-ee').
Overall data confidence 28%
References — Terry — Greek; unisex; routes layered

Variations

TeriTerriTeresa

Nicknames

Ter

Famous Bearers

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If you like Terry…

Terri— a kin spelling
Teresa— a source name
Kerry— a fellow -erry unisex name
Jory— another Greek name
Dory— shares the -ry ending

Explore names like Terry

By themeuncertaingreekunisex

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Terry mean?

Terry is a short form of Teresa ('a harvester') or Terrence ('smooth; polished'); used for both sexes; here for a girl. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Terry?

It's said TAIR-ee /ˈtɛr.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Terry a boy or girl name?

Terry is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Terry?

Terry is a rare name in the U.S. today.

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