"summer"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Teresa
Pronunciation: [ t-er-EES-uh ]
Does Teresa flow with your last name?
Two saints, one harvest — a name of mystical strength
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Portuguese
English
German
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Traditional
Elegant
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Teresa
4 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"hunter"
Origin: Greek via Latin
Language: Latin
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The Story of Teresa
Teresa's exact etymology is debated. The most common theory traces it to the Greek therizo meaning to harvest, possibly relating to the island of Thera (Santorini). Another theory connects it to the Greek theros meaning summer. The name was primarily confined to the Iberian Peninsula until Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), the Spanish mystic and Doctor of the Church, spread it throughout Catholic Europe.
Teresa peaked in the United States in the 1960s-1970s. In Spanish-speaking countries it remains a classic, timeless choice. Mother Teresa's 1979 Nobel Peace Prize and her 2016 canonization by Pope Francis gave the name renewed spiritual associations.
Saint Teresa of Avila is one of the great mystics and reformers of the Catholic Church, declared a Doctor of the Church — one of only 37 in history, and the first woman to receive this honor. Mother Teresa of Calcutta (born Agnes Bojaxhiu) became the global face of charity and compassion.
Historical Record
Teresa first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 370,101 babies have been named Teresa in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Teresa is past its peak , currently ranked #869 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Teresa of Avila was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970, making her one of the first women to receive this title
- Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work with the poorest of the poor in Calcutta
Teresa in Other Languages
French
Thérèse
German
Theresa
Italian
Teresa
Spanish
Teresa
Portuguese
Teresa
Popularity Over Time
#869
Current Rank
Peaked 1961
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Teresa
T
Theresa May
Politician
1956
British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2019
M
Mother Teresa
Humanitarian
1910
Nobel Peace Prize-winning missionary and founder of the Missionaries of Charity, canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta i...
Nobel Peace Prize-winning missionary and founder of the Missionaries of Charity, canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta in 2016
S
Saint Teresa of Avila
Religious
1515
Spanish mystic, reformer, and Doctor of the Church, one of the most influential women in Catholic history
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #869
- Total SSA Count
- 310
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Italian Portuguese English German
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Tere
Terry
Tess
Teri
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Teresa
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Teresa is also used as a boy name, ranked #8204.
View Teresa as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Teresa
What does the name Teresa mean?
"summer" (from Greek). "hunter" (from Greek via Latin). Teresa's exact etymology is debated. The most common theory traces it to the Greek therizo meaning to harvest, possibly relating to the island of Thera (Santorini). Another theory connects it to the Greek theros meaning summer. The name was primarily confined to the Iberian Peninsula until Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), the Spanish mystic and Doctor of the Church, spread it throughout Catholic Europe.
What is the origin of the name Teresa?
Teresa has Greek, Greek via Latin, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, English, and German origins. In Greek, it means "summer". In Greek via Latin, it means "hunter".
Is Teresa a boy or girl name?
Teresa is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #869. As a boy name, it is ranked #8204. Teresa is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Teresa?
Teresa is pronounced t-er-EES-uh.
How popular is the name Teresa?
Teresa is currently ranked #869 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Teresa?
Common nicknames for Teresa include Tere, Terry, Tess, and Teri.
What are good middle names for Teresa?
Popular middle name pairings include Teresa Maria, Teresa Ann, Teresa Louise, Teresa Grace, Teresa Lucia, and Teresa Isabel.
What are good sibling names for Teresa?
Names that pair well with Teresa as siblings include Maria, Rosa, Carmen, Isabel, Jose, and Antonio.
How many syllables does Teresa have?
Teresa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Teresa a common or rare name?
Teresa is moderately common, ranked #869 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Teresa
Teresa is a girl name with Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, English, and German origins . The name means "summer" in Greek .
Is Teresa a boy or girl name? Teresa is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #869 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #8,204. Teresa is more commonly used as a girl name.
Teresa is currently ranked #869 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Teresa has 3 syllables and is pronounced t-er-EES-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Teresa include Tere, Terry, Tess, and Teri. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis