| Pronunciation | /təˈriːzə, -sə/[1][2] |
|---|---|
| Gender | Female |
| Origin | |
| Word/name | uncertain (presumably Greek) |
| Region of origin | Iberia |
| Other names | |
| Alternative spelling | Theresa, Terisa, Thereza, Terézia, Tereza |
| Nickname(s) | Terri, Terry, Tracy, Tessa, Tess, Resa |
| Related names | Teresinha |
Teresa (also Theresa, Therese; French: Thérèse) is a feminine given name.
It originates in the Iberian Peninsula in late antiquity. Its derivation is uncertain, it may be derived from Greek θερίζω (therízō) "to harvest or reap", or from θέρος (theros) "summer". Another origin of the name is from Latin word "Terra" which means earth. Terra mother Earth. It is first recorded in the form Therasia, the name of Therasia of Nola, an aristocrat of the 4th century. Its popularity outside of Iberia increased because of saint Teresa of Ávila, and more recently Thérèse of Lisieux and Mother Teresa.
In the United States it was ranked as the 852nd most popular name for girls born in 2008, down from 226th in 1992 (it ranked 65th in 1950, and 102nd in 1900). Spelled "Teresa," it was the 580th most popular name for girls born in 2008, down from 206th in 1992 (it ranked 81st in 1950, and 220th in 1900).