The name "Teralfene" originates from the brook Alfene (now called the Bellebeek) which flows into the Dender.

[1] During the Dutch period (1815-1830) this department was transformed into the province South Brabant by William I of the Netherlands.

Before Teralfene became part of Affligem, two political parties were prominent at the local level: the Dries and the Daal-party, each named after an area of the village.

Both parties originated from a disagreement over an inheritance, and divided Teralfene since 1850.

The Daal and Dries parties had about equal power, and election victories switched constantly for over 100 years.