Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Theresa has Greek origins, meaning 'harvester.' It evolved through various historical forms and gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly influenced by Saint Teresa of Ávila. The name is associated with kindness and strength, and it currently holds a classic appeal.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/θəˈriːzə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Theresa is derived from the Greek word 'thera,' which means 'harvester' or 'to reap.' It may also be associated with the island of Thera in the Aegean Sea.
Meaning
harvester
Language Evolution
Therasia, Teresa, Theresa
Historical Usage
Theresa gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in Spain and Portugal, and became widely used in various cultures after the canonization of Saint Teresa of Ávila in the 16th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Teresa, Tessa, Teri, Tess
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Theresa is perceived as classic and timeless, often associated with qualities such as compassion and strength due to its historical and religious connections.
Famous People
Saint Teresa of Ávila, Theresa May, Mother Teresa
📊 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 11,990 peak births in 1961
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Vermont
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 | 2937th of 7545 | 127 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1992nd of 6773 | 248 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1708th of 7552 | 399 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2124th of 10718 | 313 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5553rd of 16616 | 121 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 98th of 9107 | 50,353 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 78th of 9204 | 59,741 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 40th of 12526 | 165,301 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 65th of 19264 | 83,656 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 173rd of 27321 | 27,714 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 604th of 35406 | 7,622 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1296th of 30306 | 2,190 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
86.58% 1194th/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
52.70% 820th/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
51.28% 1246th/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
60.98% 1791st/2937 |
53.89% 1877th/3483 |
- |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
61.82% 3211th/5194 |
- |
| 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) |
8.12% 115th/1416 |
2.83% 39th/1379 |
8.07% 191st/2366 |
11.91% 136th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
6.02% 93rd/1546 |
2.44% 38th/1556 |
7.52% 177th/2353 |
8.14% 126th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
2.16% 48th/2227 |
1.23% 30th/2430 |
2.31% 66th/2853 |
1.48% 41st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
1.87% 55th/2937 |
1.46% 51st/3483 |
2.39% 84th/3518 |
1.71% 69th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.18% 154th/3685 |
2.59% 116th/4475 |
4.41% 229th/5194 |
3.09% 195th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
12.24% 561st/4582 |
7.13% 368th/5164 |
10.49% 767th/7313 |
9.42% 703rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
30.37% 1210th/3984 |
18.85% 846th/4487 |
24.17% 1649th/6822 |
22.04% 1383rd/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 Vermont across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the Northeast 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, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, 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 male in Northeast, 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 2937th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1992nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1708th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2124th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5553rd out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 98th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 78th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 40th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 65th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 173rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 604th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1296th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.