Theresa

Pronunciation: [ t-er-EES-uh ]

Girl Name #1,501 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A harvest name blessed by two patron saints

Spanish Italian German English Portuguese

Classic Traditional Elegant Spiritual Vintage

Meaning & Origin

"to harvest, reaper"

Origin: Greek

Language: Greek

"summer, from Therasia"

Origin: Greek place name

Language: Greek

Things to Know About This Name

Theresa May, former UK Prime Minister associated with controversial Brexit policies

The Story of Theresa

Theresa is believed to derive from the Greek 'therizein' (to harvest) or possibly from Theresia, a place name on the Greek island of Santorini. The name spread throughout Europe largely through the veneration of Saint Teresa of Ávila, the 16th-century Spanish mystic and Carmelite reformer, and later through Empress Maria Theresa of Austria (1717-1780), who ruled the Habsburg Empire and became one of history's most powerful female monarchs.

Theresa peaked in English-speaking countries in the mid-20th century, buoyed by the fame of Mother Teresa of Calcutta (born Agnes Gonxha Bhejaxhiu), who took the religious name Teresa after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. The name has declined since its peak in the 1950s-60s but remains well-recognized.

In Catholic tradition, Theresa holds immense spiritual significance through two major saints: Teresa of Ávila, a Doctor of the Church, and Thérèse of Lisieux, the 'Little Flower.' The name carries connotations of devout faith, mysticism, and charitable works.

Fun Facts

Saint Teresa of Ávila was the first woman declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI in 1970
Mother Teresa was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta in 2016

Theresa in Other Languages

French Thérèse

German Therese

Polish Teresa

Italian Teresa

Spanish Teresa

Portuguese Teresa

Famous People Named Theresa

Mother Teresa

Humanitarian

1910

Albanian-Indian Catholic nun and missionary who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta and won the Nobel Peace ...

Albanian-Indian Catholic nun and missionary who founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979

Maria Theresa

Royalty

1717

Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary and Bohemia, the only female ruler of the Habsburg dominions

Teresa of Ávila

Religious

1515

Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun, and Doctor of the Catholic Church who reformed religious life in 16th-century Spain

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #1,501
Total SSA Count: 145
Cultural Origins: Spanish Italian German English Portuguese
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Therese #2221

Common Nicknames

Terry Terri Tess Teri Ressa

Pairs Well With

Theresa Marie Theresa Ann Theresa Grace Theresa Rose Theresa Louise Theresa Claire Theresa Margaret

Sibling Names

Margaret Catherine Bernard Frances Joseph Eleanor Vincent

Also a Boy Name

Theresa is also used as a boy name, ranked #29810.

View Theresa as a boy name →

Similar Names

Teresa Clare Therese Clarice Calista Sabrina Jessa Nessa

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Theresa

What does the name Theresa mean?

"to harvest, reaper" (from Greek). "summer, from Therasia" (from Greek place name). Theresa is believed to derive from the Greek 'therizein' (to harvest) or possibly from Theresia, a place name on the Greek island of Santorini. The name spread throughout Europe largely through the veneration of Saint Teresa of Ávila, the 16th-century Spanish mystic and Carmelite reformer, and later through Empress Maria Theresa of Austria (1717-1780), who ruled the Habsburg Empire and became one of history's most powerful female monarchs.

What is the origin of the name Theresa?

Theresa has Greek, Greek place name, Spanish, Italian, German, English, and Portuguese origins. In Greek, it means "to harvest, reaper". In Greek place name, it means "summer, from Therasia".

Is Theresa a boy or girl name?

Theresa is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1501. As a boy name, it is ranked #29810. Theresa is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Theresa?

Theresa is pronounced t-er-EES-uh.

How popular is the name Theresa?

Theresa is currently ranked #1501 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Theresa?

Common nicknames for Theresa include Terry, Terri, Tess, Teri, and Ressa.

What are good middle names for Theresa?

Popular middle name pairings include Theresa Marie, Theresa Ann, Theresa Grace, Theresa Rose, Theresa Louise, Theresa Claire, and Theresa Margaret.

What are good sibling names for Theresa?

Names that pair well with Theresa as siblings include Margaret, Catherine, Bernard, Frances, Joseph, Eleanor, and Vincent.

How many syllables does Theresa have?

Theresa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Theresa a common or rare name?

Theresa is an uncommon name, ranked #1501 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Theresa

Theresa is a girl name with Spanish, Italian, German, English, and Portuguese origins . The name means "to harvest, reaper" in Greek .

Is Theresa a boy or girl name? Theresa is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,501 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #29,810. Theresa is more commonly used as a girl name.

Theresa is currently ranked #1,501 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Theresa has 3 syllables and is pronounced t-er-EES-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Theresa include Terry, Terri, Tess, Teri, and Ressa. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Theresa include Therese . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.