Terry began as the English form of the French Thierry, from the Germanic Theodoric, "ruler of the people", and later also served as the pet form of Terence. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw and novelist Terry Pratchett are among its best-known bearers. A top 50 name in the 1950s, Terry still ranked number 331 in 2000 but has faded with each decade, leaving the top 1000 in 2021 and standing at number 1116 in 2025.