Unknown; likely a modern variant of Terrell
The exact etymology of Terel is unclear, though it is widely considered a modern American spelling variant of the surname-turned-given-name Terrell. Terrell itself likely derives from a Norman French nickname meaning 'to pull,' possibly referring to a stubborn person or a driver of horses.
Less common today
Terel isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #4,437 in 1995.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
