Terry

Origin and Meaning

Terry is a surname of English origin, derived from the medieval name "Therry", a diminutive of the common medieval personal name "Theresa", "Theodoric", or "terry". The name has Norman-French roots and was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Terry is widespread throughout the United Kingdom and the English-speaking world. It is particularly common in regions with historical Norman influence, such as Kent, Sussex, and Norfolk. According to census data, Terry ranks as one of the top 200 surnames in England.

Notable People

Several noteworthy individuals have borne the surname Terry:

  1. Ellen Terry (1847-1928) - A prominent English actress of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for her Shakespearean roles and association with the actor Henry Irving.

  2. John Terry (b. 1980) - A retired English footballer who captained Chelsea F.C. and the England national team during an illustrious career.

  3. William Terry (1927-2017) - British archaeologist renowned for his groundbreaking research on Roman settlements in southern England.

Coat of Arms

The Terry family coat of arms features a shield with a red background emblazoned with six silver shovellers, and is accompanied by a lion passant as a crest. This heraldic design symbolises qualities such as strength, protection, and perseverance, attributes associated with the Terry name.

Legacy

The surname Terry has left a lasting impact on various fields, from the arts to sports and academia. Families bearing this name can trace their lineage back to the medieval era, with a diverse legacy that reflects their enduring presence in British society.

There are approximately 14,914 people named Terry in the UK. That makes it the 593rd most common surname in Britain. Around 229 in a million people in Britain are named Terry.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Janet
  • Karen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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