What does Therese mean and where does it come from?
Therese is derived from the Greek name 'Therasia', which originally referred to the island of Thera (Santorini). It became popularized in various countries, especially after being borne by Saint Therese of Lisieux, a French Catholic saint who is widely revered for her simple approach to spirituality
Cultural significance
Therese has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of harvester.
Peak popularity
Reached #220 in 1927 — currently #2324 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How popular is Therese right now?
Falling — down 127 spots — currently #2324 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2324 | 79 | ▼ down 127 · -9% births |
| 2024 | #2197 | 87 | ▼ down 1184 · -93% births |
| 2023 | #1013 | 1,187 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1018 | 1,167 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1023 | 1,137 | ▲ up 2013 · +2087% births |
| 2020 | #3036 | 52 | ▼ down 269 · -17% births |
| 2015 | #2767 | 63 | ▼ down 179 · -10% births |
| 2010 | #2588 | 70 | ▼ down 502 · -21% births |
| 2005 | #2086 | 89 | ▼ down 231 · -3% births |
| 2000 | #1855 | 92 | ▼ down 382 · -15% births |
| 1995 | #1473 | 108 | ▼ down 108 · -7% births |
| 1990 | #1365 | 116 | ▼ down 359 · -23% births |
| 1985 | #1006 | 151 | ▼ down 45 · -2% births |
| 1980 | #961 | 154 | ▼ down 164 · -11% births |
| 1975 | #797 | 174 | — |
The story of Therese
Therese has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 35,231 babies have received this name. Once ranked #543 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1013 in 2023. Therese is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Therese in 1927:
Therese by decade
Therese peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 102 | |
| 1890s | 204 | |
| 1900s | 282 | |
| 1910s | 899 | |
| 1920s | 4,501 | |
| 1930s | 3,233 | |
| 1940s | 3,165 | |
| 1950s ★ | 9,329 | |
| 1960s | 7,584 | |
| 1970s | 1,947 | |
| 1980s | 1,430 | |
| 1990s | 1,052 | |
| 2000s | 843 | |
| 2010s | 608 | |
| 2020s | 218 | |
What are good nicknames for Therese?
ENGLISH
TeriTerriTerrieTerryTessTessaTessieTraceeTraceyTraciTracieTracy
How is Therese written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Therese
What does the name Therese mean?
Therese means "harvester" — a name rooted in France 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 Therese?
Therese is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Therese?
Therese originates from France tradition. France 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 Therese?
Therese is a two-syllable name pronounced THER-ees. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Therese a common or rare name?
Therese is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.