Teresa
Teresa is a girl name of Spanish origin meaning “Harvester, from Thera”, pronounced teh-REH-sah. It ranked #911 in the United States in 2025, given to 291 babies, and peaked at #18 in 1961. Common nicknames: Tess, Terry, Tere.
How popular is Teresa in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Teresa mean, and where does it come from?
Teresa is a name of uncertain origin — the Greek therizein, "to harvest," or the island of Thera, or something older still — that became Spanish and Portuguese before it became anything else. Two women made it: Teresa of Ávila, the Carmelite reformer and one of only four women named Doctor of the Church, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta. It reached 18th place in the United States in 1961 and has fallen since, which puts it in the standard waiting room for a comeback.
How is Teresa used around the world?
Teresa is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 12+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Teresa?
Famous People Named Teresa
- Teresa of Ávila — Spanish mystic, Carmelite reformer and Doctor of the Church
- Teresa Teng — Taiwanese singer, one of Asia's most influential performers
- Teresa Wright — American actress and Academy Award winner
Similar Names to Teresa
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Sibling Name Ideas for Teresa
Looking for names that pair well with Teresa? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Teresa mean?
Teresa is a girl name of Spanish origin meaning "Harvester, from Thera." Teresa is a name of uncertain origin — the Greek therizein, "to harvest," or the island of Thera, or something older still — that became Spanish and Portuguese before it became anything else. Two women made it: Teresa of Ávila, the Carmelite reformer and one of only four women named Doctor of the Church, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
How do you pronounce Teresa?
Teresa is pronounced teh-REH-sah. Common variations include Theresa, Therese, Tereza.
Is Teresa a girl name?
Yes, Teresa is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Tess, Terry, Tere.