What does Teresa mean and where does it come from?
Teresa is a name of Spanish and Italian origin, derived from the Greek name 'Therasia'. It has been borne by several saints, most notably Saint Teresa of Ávila, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church during the 16th century. The name enjoys popularity across many cultures and is associated with t
Cultural significance
Teresa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to harvest.
Peak popularity
Reached #18 in 1961 — currently #786 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spain-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Teresa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Teresa?
Teresa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Teresa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Teresa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Teresa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Teresa Claire
French influence · crisp
Teresa Jane
Literary · strong
Teresa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Teresa right now?
Holding steady — currently #786 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #786 | 1,414 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #791 | 1,394 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #796 | 1,364 | ▼ down 51 · +277% births |
| 2020 | #745 | 362 | ▼ down 80 · -15% births |
| 2015 | #665 | 428 | ▲ up 31 · +4% births |
| 2010 | #696 | 410 | ▼ down 243 · -39% births |
| 2005 | #453 | 672 | ▼ down 110 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #343 | 899 | ▼ down 81 · -14% births |
| 1995 | #262 | 1,044 | ▼ down 82 · -35% births |
| 1990 | #180 | 1,611 | ▼ down 48 · -27% births |
| 1985 | #132 | 2,211 | ▼ down 38 · -30% births |
| 1980 | #94 | 3,149 | ▼ down 33 · -32% births |
| 1975 | #61 | 4,638 | ▼ down 27 · -52% births |
| 1970 | #34 | 9,606 | ▼ down 10 · -34% births |
| 1965 | #24 | 14,579 | — |
The story of Teresa
Teresa has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #18 in 1961. More than 415,559 babies have been named Teresa since 1880. Once ranked #218 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #786 in 2023. Teresa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Teresa in 1961:
Teresa by decade
Teresa peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 769 | |
| 1890s | 1,587 | |
| 1900s | 1,889 | |
| 1910s | 5,199 | |
| 1920s | 9,263 | |
| 1930s | 7,697 | |
| 1940s | 19,375 | |
| 1950s | 114,502 | |
| 1960s ★ | 152,189 | |
| 1970s | 56,262 | |
| 1980s | 23,542 | |
| 1990s | 11,976 | |
| 2000s | 6,753 | |
| 2010s | 4,194 | |
| 2020s | 362 | |
What are good nicknames for Teresa?
ENGLISH
TeriTerriTerrieTerryTessTessaTessieTraceeTraceyTraciTracieTracy
What names sound and feel like Teresa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Teresa also consider these
How is Teresa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Teresa
What does the name Teresa mean?
Teresa means "to harvest" — a name rooted in Spain tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Teresa?
Teresa is currently ranked #786 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Teresa?
Teresa originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Teresa?
Teresa is a three-syllable name pronounced T ER0 EY1 S AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Teresa?
Teresa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spain heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.