Since at least the 1800s, Teresa has been one of the most popular names for baby girls in the United States. While the spellings Teresa and Theresa may seem interchangeable, Teresa is actually the preferred spelling in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian cultures. Either way, the exact origin of the name is unknown, though it does have several potential Greek inspirations. Pair Teresa with a trendy middle name to help bring her into the 2020s.
Meaning and Origin of the name Teresa:
Teresa is a girl's name with Greek origin meaning “to harvest,” “to reap,” or “summer.”
There is some debate over the exact origin of the name Teresa, though its origins are almost definitely Greek. Some say it comes from the Greek word therizein (meaning “to harvest” or “to reap”). Others say it comes from the Greek word theros (meaning “summer”).
Symbolism of the name Teresa:
Teresa is a name associated with numerous saints, including Mother Teresa, so new parents of faith may find some symbolism there. Its potential meanings “to harvest” and “summer” may also offer something in the way of symbolism.
Nicknames for the name Teresa:
Teresa is a wonderful name for girls. There are many nicknames to choose from when picking the perfect nickname for your baby girl. We put together the list below to help you find a great nickname for your baby.
Style of the name Teresa:
Classic
Gender of the name Teresa:
Teresa is a girl's name.
Pronunciation of the name Teresa:
ter-REE-sah or ter-RAY-sah.
Number of syllables in the name Teresa:
Three
Emotion evoked from the name Teresa:
The baby name Teresa evokes images of someone who always wants to do the right thing and someone who enjoys helping others.
Alternative spellings for the name Teresa:
- Theresa
- Terasia
- Teresia
- Tereza
- Taresa
Popularity of the name Teresa:
According to the Social Security Administration, Teresa has been a top 1,000 baby name for girls in the United States since at least 1900. It was even a top 100 name between 1948 and 1981. It last ranked at number 823 in 2021.
Related names for the name Teresa:
Great middle names for Teresa and their meanings:
- Rose (flower)
- Bailey (baliff)
- Alexis (protector of men)
- Scarlet (red)
- Margaret (pearl)
- Paige (page)
- Eloise (healthy, wide)
- Olivia (olive tree)
- Isabelle (pledged to God)
Famous people with the name Teresa:
- Teresa Edwards (basketball player)
- Teresa Brewer (singer)
- Teresa Carpenter (author)
- Teresa Randle (actress)
- Teresa Wright (actress)
Teresa in popular culture:
- Teresa Bond (character in the movie “On Her Majesty's Secret Service”)
- Teresa Bryant (character on the TV show “Coronation Street”)
- Teresa Cammeniti (character on the soap opera “Neighbours”)
- Teresa Lisbon (character on the TV show “The Mentalist”)
- Teresa Mendoza (character on the TV show “Queen of the South”)
The image featured at the top of this post is ©dushkovladimir/Shutterstock.com.