The nameTeresa
Teresa is a saintly name, carried by Teresa of Ávila and Mother Teresa.
- Girl's name
- Greek
- Feast day
Meaning
The origin of Teresa is uncertain, perhaps from the Greek therizein, "to harvest", or from the island of Therasia.
Origin
Greek, through Spanish.
History
Saint Teresa of Ávila reformed the Carmelites in the 16th century. In the United States Teresa reached 18th place in 1961.
Did you know?
- Mother Teresa won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work with the poorest people of Calcutta.
Famous people named Teresa
- Saint Teresa of Ávila
- Mother Teresa
- Teresa Berganza, mezzo-soprano
Popularity of the name Teresa
Teresa in the United States
Teresa was most popular in the United States in the 1960s, with 152,201 births over the decade, 37% of all recorded babies named Teresa. Its rise began around 1947, and it peaked in 1961. Half of all babies named Teresa in the United States were born before 1962, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 332 births a year on average, against 392 in the five years before.
Teresa in the United Kingdom
Teresa was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 287 births over the decade, 36% of all recorded babies named Teresa. Half of all babies named Teresa in the United Kingdom were born before 2010, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 23 births a year.
Teresa in Ireland
Teresa in France
Teresa in Austria
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Teresa
Names from the same generation as Teresa, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Teresa? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Teresa with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Teresa side by side with the name of your choice.
Teresa in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Teresa mean?
The origin of Teresa is uncertain, perhaps from the Greek therizein, "to harvest", or from the island of Therasia.
What is the origin of the name Teresa?
Greek, through Spanish.
Is Teresa a girl's or a boy's name?
Teresa is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Teresa?
In 2024, Teresa was the 867th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 310 births.
What are the variants of the name Teresa?
Variants and related names of Teresa include Teréz, Terrie, Tess, Tessa and Thérèse.
What are good sibling names for Teresa?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Barbara, Calista, Sonia and Catherine for a sister, Eugene, Philip, Jerome and Gregory for a brother.
Who are famous people named Teresa?
Saint Teresa of Ávila; Mother Teresa; Teresa Berganza, mezzo-soprano.