TERRY
This is a copy of an article published in
The Peak Advertiser, the Peak District's local free newspaper,
on 16th August 1993,
reproduced by kind permission of the author, the late Desmond Holden.
The “What's in a Name” series was a regular
feature in the Advertiser over the period 1993‑2004,
taking a refreshing look at the derivation of some typically
Derbyshire surnames.
Articles are confined to the origins and meanings of surnames,
and do not indicate any particular interest on Desmond's part in
the genealogy, descent, or family history of individuals bearing
the surnames featured.
Editor's Note: Articles are provided for general interest and
background only. They are not intended to provide an exhaustive treatise
for any individual family history - investigations of which may yield
quite different results. Or, in Desmond's own words:
“In the end it must remain with individual bearers of the names to
draw upon family traditions and to seek out such documentary
evidence as is available to decide the matter for themselves.”
WHAT'S IN A NAME …
Are you called TERRY?
This name has many variants: Tarry, Terris, Torry, etc. which is
hardly surprising because it has two distinct origins. The first is
that it is an occupational name and means a "potter". Its
similarity to the French word "terre" and the Spanish "tierra" -
both of which mean "earth", confirms the point. Hence some people
called "Terry" can take it that they had ancestors who were
associated with working in clay. This notion is carried foreward in
that the name "terra-cotta" (which is an Italian expression meaning
"burnt-earth") refers to a well-known type of ceramic. Furthermore
in Old French the word "terrin" was used to describe earthenware
vessels.
The alternative is, however, more romantic. It is derived from the
Germanic name "Theodoric" which is composed of two units: "theuda"
meaning "people" or "folk"; and "ric" which means "chief" or
"ruler". Taken together the name in full can be interpreted
something as "Power to the People"! The original Theodoric was a
Goth who invaded Northern Italy and ruled it from Ravenna from 493
to 526 A.D. His reign has been described as one of the most
impressive in European history and so it is not surprising that his
memory is commemorated in his name being so very popular in
succeeding generations.
Among German-speaking people it was modified into "Dietrich" which,
in turn, passed into French as "Thierry" and from thence into
English as "Terry". In parallel, the form "Dietrich" also provided
the name "Derek" and this, too, has modified into "Terry". Because
the name originated in Central and Southern Europe, it tended to
establish itself in regions in the United Kingdom where there was
more cross-Channel traffic and so it is only until one reaches
records dating from the 1300's that it is found to have progressed
from the South-Eastern counties to the North.
Tracing the origins of this particular surname is made slightly
difficult because of tempting similarities with that form of the
name "Terry" which is in fact derived from the Latin first name
"Terence" and travels quite a different road. One thing is certain,
however. The name is not in any way related to "Theodore" which is
a Greek name and means "God's gift" and which also provide the
forms "Terry" and "Teddy".
Although the name is to be found in every region of the United
Kingdom, it seems to be more frequently encountered in the Home
Counties and entries in local Directories are not numerous.
Site Index
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© Desmond Holden
From "The Peak Advertiser", 16th August 1993.
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A further article on this surname was published in March 2004.
Are you called TERRY?
Variations: Torry, Torrey, Tarry.
Contrary to what might be assumed, neither the personal name
Terry nor its related surnames are derived from the classical
name "Terentius" or, in its Anglicised spelling, Terence. It is
Germanic and based on the name Theodorc which
survives today in the attenuated form Derek. It has continental
counterparts: Dietrich in Germany and Dirk in the low countries.
As a surname, forms of Terry were not infrequently found in the
middle ages and beyond: then, following a modern fashion (c.1850)
it began to be adopted as a personal name. But with this
important difference: the original source, Theoderic, was
forgotten and it was incorrectly thought to have a Latin base.
Very briefly, the original Terence (c.195BC) was a slave who
took the name of his master following his release. (Note: the
adoption of the name of one's master or employer is a feature
throughout the history of surnames.) He is a celebrated
playwright. One dramatic passage is so well expressed, that only
the opening words "Quot homines" are usually quoted and the
sense of the remaining passage is taken for granted. The meaning
of Terence (Latin: Terentius) is uncertain. A suggestion is that
it is from "terere" meaning to 'winnow', but how applicable is
not clear.
Otherwise the original medieval "Terry" has undisputed Teutonic
origins. it combines two units: first is the "Theudo" -
signifying "people" or "tribe"; second "ric" meaning "power".
Taken together a possible interpretation could be "He who
derives his power from the people". The most celebrated bearer
of the name was Theodorc (c.500) the Leader of the Ostrogoths.
By coincidence the Germanic name bore a remarkable similarity to
a Greek name "Theodore" which means "Gift of God". Such
religious connotation rendered it most acceptable to medieval
Christian society, especially in Southern Europe. It was adopted
as a first name to such an extent that it is often confused with
Theodorc and it is sometimes difficult to separate out surnames
derived therefrom. In Cornwall, for example, the spelling
"Terricus" (1221) is now exposed as a clumsy Latin rendition of
"Theodorus".
The first appearance under the spelling of "Terry" dates from
1166 and refers to a money-lender (Usuarius) of Norwich, this
suggests there to be a continental connection. Indeed marginal
notes in documents referring to bearers of the name make mention
of them being "Allemannus" or "Flandrensis". The oldest record
is dated 1114 (London) and refers to William as being the "son
of Teorri". Confining ourselves to surnames appearing in the
Local Directory, Hugo Terry was registered in Bedford for 1250;
William Tarry in Essex for 1327 and another William, this time
called Torry appears in Berkshire for 1327.
Because the Normans had greater connections with Ireland and
Scotland than is realised, the name is also to be found in those
countries. An Anglo-Norman family bearing the name Terry was
long established in the region centring on Cork. It should be
noted however that the personal name, which is so popular in
Ireland, "Terence" (eg Terence O'Neil) is derived from an
Anglicised rendering of the native name (Mac) Toirdealbhaigh.
Its meaning signifies: He who can be likened unto the God Thor.
In Scotland mention is made of a certain David, Son of Terri
(c.1100) of Galloway.
In France itself, the name "Theoderic" yielded forms such as
"Thierry" as in the case of Jacques Thierry (1795-1856) a
distinguished historian. Whether they are related is not known
but several distinguished stage personalities were named Terry.
Daniel Terry (1780-1829) (apparently of Wingfield), was hugely
popular both in London and Edinburgh theatres, while Ellen Terry
(1847-1925) is still remembered by older theatre-goers.
Merely for completeness it may be mentioned that the use of the
word "terry" in connection with textiles (eg terry towelling) is
derived (supposedly) from the French "tire" which means to be
"pulled" and refers to the surface of such fabrics where the
threads are pulled into loops and remain uncut.
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Site Index
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© Desmond Holden
From "The Peak Advertiser", 22nd March 2004.
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The first article on this surname was published in August 1993.