"to harvest, reaper"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Theresa
Pronunciation: [ t-er-EES-uh ]
Does Theresa flow with your last name?
A harvest name blessed by two patron saints
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Meaning & Origin
"summer, from Therasia"
Origin: Greek place name
Language: Greek
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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.
Historical Record
Theresa first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 267,250 babies have been named Theresa in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Theresa is past its peak , currently ranked #1,501 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#1,501
Current Rank
Peaked 1956
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Theresa
M
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
M
Maria Theresa
Royalty
1717
Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary and Bohemia, the only female ruler of the Habsburg dominions
T
Teresa of Ávila
Religious
1515
Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun, and Doctor of the Catholic Church who reformed religious life in 16th-century Spain
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See all →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
Common Nicknames
Terry
Terri
Tess
Teri
Ressa
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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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, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Theresa
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Theresa is also used as a boy name, ranked #29810.
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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.
What girl names are similar to Theresa?
Are there other spellings for Theresa?
Related spellings include Therese.
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.
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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