What does Theresa mean and where does it come from?
The name Theresa is derived from the Greek name 'Thérasia', which means 'harvester' or 'to reap'. It became widespread in the Christian community due to St. Teresa of Ávila, a prominent Spanish mystic and reformer of the Carmelite Order in the 16th century. The name has many variations across differ
Cultural significance
Theresa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of harvester.
Peak popularity
Reached #32 in 1956 — currently #1559 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Theresa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
How popular is Theresa right now?
Falling — down 63 spots — currently #1559 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1559 | 136 | ▼ down 63 · -7% births |
| 2024 | #1496 | 146 | ▲ up 200 · +20% births |
| 2023 | #1696 | 122 | ▼ down 212 · -18% births |
| 2022 | #1484 | 148 | ▼ down 45 · -1% births |
| 2021 | #1439 | 150 | ▼ down 31 · -2% births |
| 2020 | #1408 | 153 | ▼ down 216 · -27% births |
| 2015 | #1192 | 210 | ▼ down 270 · -25% births |
| 2010 | #922 | 280 | ▼ down 285 · -36% births |
| 2005 | #637 | 439 | ▼ down 219 · -35% births |
| 2000 | #418 | 679 | ▼ down 126 · -28% births |
| 1995 | #292 | 947 | ▼ down 96 · -37% births |
| 1990 | #196 | 1,499 | ▼ down 60 · -29% births |
| 1985 | #136 | 2,121 | ▼ down 33 · -27% births |
| 1980 | #103 | 2,925 | ▼ down 25 · -19% births |
| 1975 | #78 | 3,611 | — |
The story of Theresa
Theresa has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #32 in 1956. More than 405,101 babies have been named Theresa since 1880. Once ranked #112 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1696 in 2023. Theresa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Theresa in 1956:
Theresa by decade
Theresa peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 2,505 | |
| 1890s | 4,735 | |
| 1900s | 6,406 | |
| 1910s | 18,375 | |
| 1920s | 36,796 | |
| 1930s | 32,944 | |
| 1940s | 35,895 | |
| 1950s | 89,780 | |
| 1960s ★ | 97,410 | |
| 1970s | 40,256 | |
| 1980s | 22,503 | |
| 1990s | 10,603 | |
| 2000s | 4,549 | |
| 2010s | 2,191 | |
| 2020s | 435 | |
What are good nicknames for Theresa?
ENGLISH
TeriTerriTerrieTerryTessTessaTessieTraceeTraceyTraciTracieTracy
Famous people named Theresa
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Theresa (modern Greek athlete)
Theresa brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
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Theresa (Byzantine leader)
Theresa used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
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Theresa (Greek poet or artist)
Theresa helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
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Theresa (modern Greek athlete)
Theresa brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →How is Theresa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Theresa
What does the name Theresa mean?
Theresa means "harvester" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Theresa?
Theresa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Theresa?
Theresa originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Theresa?
Theresa is a three-syllable name pronounced ter-AY-suh. 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 Theresa?
Theresa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.