Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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
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
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
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 (10 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 10 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
95.07% 2237th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
56.76% 1264th/2227 |
- |
57.76% 1648th/2853 |
51.57% 1431st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
58.63% 1722nd/2937 |
- |
55.91% 1967th/3518 |
40.63% 1643rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
55.60% 2888th/5194 |
60.06% 3794th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
19.77% 280th/1416 |
9.43% 130th/1379 |
16.95% 401st/2366 |
16.73% 191st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
14.88% 230th/1546 |
9.00% 140th/1556 |
12.11% 285th/2353 |
11.05% 171st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
1.57% 35th/2227 |
3.29% 80th/2430 |
0.74% 21st/2853 |
0.86% 24th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
1.33% 39th/2937 |
2.78% 97th/3483 |
0.71% 25th/3518 |
0.91% 37th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.86% 179th/3685 |
4.27% 191st/4475 |
3.20% 166th/5194 |
2.14% 135th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
10.58% 485th/4582 |
8.21% 424th/5164 |
6.76% 494th/7313 |
4.86% 363rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
19.15% 763rd/3984 |
16.98% 762nd/4487 |
12.20% 832nd/6822 |
10.91% 685th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Tennessee across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5436th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3525th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1577th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1692nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4945th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 234th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 212th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 28th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 39th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 161st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 436th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 761st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.