Girl · 39th of 19,264
Teresa
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
416,911
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1961
Peak Popularity Year
18,949
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Teresa stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Teresa has its roots in Spanish and Portuguese, deriving from the Greek word meaning 'to harvest.' Over time, it has evolved through various languages, maintaining its essence. The name is associated with strong, compassionate figures, particularly in the context of Catholicism. While it lacks biblical roots, it has significant historical relevance and remains popular today.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/təˈreɪzə/
Origin
Spanish, Portuguese
Etymology
The name Teresa is believed to be derived from the Greek word 'thera,' meaning 'to harvest' or 'to reap.' It may also have connections to the island of Thera in the Aegean Sea.
Meaning
Harvester
Language Evolution
Theresa (Latin), Teresa (Spanish, Portuguese), Terese (French), Teresa (Italian)
Historical Usage
The name Teresa gained popularity in the Middle Ages, especially due to the influence of Saint Teresa of Ávila, a prominent figure in the Catholic Church.
Variants & Derivatives
Terese, Tessa, Tess, Terina
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Teresa is seen as a classic and elegant name, often associated with qualities of compassion and strength due to its historical figures.
Famous People
Saint Teresa of Ávila, Mother Teresa, Teresa Giudice, Teresa Palmer
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 18,949 peak births in 1961
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Tennessee
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 10 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5436th of 7545 | 23 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3525th of 6773 | 81 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1577th of 7552 | 472 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1692nd of 10718 | 442 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4945th of 16616 | 147 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 234th of 9107 | 13,873 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 212th of 9204 | 16,023 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 28th of 12526 | 218,121 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 39th of 19264 | 120,328 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 161st of 27321 | 29,181 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 436th of 35406 | 11,215 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 761st of 30306 | 4,445 |