An English and Irish surname, the family name of Terry is from the Middle English given name of Thierry. An Old French term of ‘thierri’ which could refer to a potter or someone who created pots.

A spelling variation for Terry is Terrie. Many Terry families originated in the Kent region of England and have the spelling of Thierry.

In the southeastern and northern regions of England is where most Terry families live. The counties of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Yorkshire and Lancashire, along with the city of London have the greater Terry population.

In Ireland, the Terry surname is popular. Across most of Scotland, the Terry surname is common. In Midlothian, Inverness-shire, Ayrshire and Lanarkshire is where most with the Terry name live.

Within the states of the United States the Terry surname is found mostly in Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, New York and Texas.


Famous: Alfred Terry (Civil War Union general), Paul Terry (cartoonist and creator of Terrytones), Ralph Terry (professional baseball player), William R. Terry (Civil War Confederate general), Samuel Terry (18th century wealthy landowner and developer in Australia), Clark Terry (musician), Jason Terry (professional basketball player) and Joseph terry (19th century English large confectionery business).