Terry \t(er)-ry\ as a boy's name (also used as girl's name Terry), is pronounced TARE-ee. It is of Old German origin, and the meaning of Terry is "power of the tribe". From Theodoric, which was the direct source of Derek and Dietrich, but gave rise to Terry through the Norman French name Thierri (also the source of the modern French Thierry). Also short form of Terence and Terrell. Football player Terry Bradshaw; filmmaker Terry Gilliam.