Show ContentsTerrence History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Terrence family

The surname Terrence was first found in Stirlingshire. The name is a habitation name from either East Kilbride or north of Glasgow where it is derived from the Gaelic word "torran" which means "hillock" or "mound" or "little hills." 1

"John Torrance is recorded in Nethir Cloychtquharne in 1555, and John Torrance was a tenant of Newbattle Abbey in 1563. The name also occurs in Edinburgh in 1561 as Torrens. David Torrance (1840-1906), Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Connecticut, U. S., was born in Edinburgh." 2

Early History of the Terrence family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Terrence research. Another 132 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1563, 1690, 1780, 1864 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Terrence History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Terrence Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Torrance, Torrens, Torrence and others.

Early Notables of the Terrence family

More information is included under the topic Early Terrence Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Terrence family to Ireland

Some of the Terrence family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 123 words (9 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Terrence family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Torrence arrived in Philadelphia in 1828; followed by James in 1868; Adam Torrens settled in Philadelphia in 1828; Aaron in 1823; Alexander in 1848.


Contemporary Notables of the name Terrence (post 1700) +

  • John Terrence McMahon OAM (1932-2024), Australian cricketer
  • Michael Terrence Holland (1942-2023), American college athletics administrator and basketball player and coach
  • John Terrence Cacioppo (1951-2018), American neuroscientist and psychologist, Tiffany and Margaret Blake Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Chicago
  • Clinton Terrence Perren (b. 1975), former Australian first-class cricketer who played for Queensland (1997-1998) and (2008-2009)
  • William Terrence McGrattan (b. 1956), Canadian Catholic bishop, 12th and current Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough
  • Joseph Terrence Lanni (1943-2011), former American Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of MGM Mirage
  • Peter Terrence Blackmore (b. 1945), Australian politician, Member for Maitland (1991–1999), and Mayor of the City of Maitland (1986-1990)
  • Samuel Terrence McGuffie (b. 1989), American college football wide receiver
  • Terrence "Terry" Funk (1944-2023), American professional wrestler, known for the longevity of his career which spanned more than 50 years, one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time
  • Terrence Hardiman (1937-2023), English actor, best known for his starring role in The Demon Headmaster (1996-1998)


  1. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  2. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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