Meaning and Origin of the Name Theresa

Theresa is a feminine given name derived from the Greek theros, meaning “summer.” As a name, Theresa has been used since the Middle Ages, gaining popularity in medieval England in honor of Saint Theresa of Ávila, a prominent 16th-century Spanish nun and reformer of the Carmelite Order.

Theresa saw a boost in usage in the 18th and 19th centuries when foreign and classical names were fashionable among England’s aristocracy and upper classes. Theresa had an exotic flair compared to Anglo-Saxon staples like Mary and Elizabeth.

Popularity

While a consistent favorite, Theresa has never cracked the top 100 most popular names for girls in England and Wales. Its popularity ranked #232 in 2019 with 194 baby girls given the name.

Theresa lends itself to cute nicknames like Tess, Tessa, Terri, Tracey, Resa, and Reese. The name exudes warmth and strength, befitting girls with passionate, caring hearts.

Famous People with the Name

Famous bearers of the name Theresa include Mother Theresa, an Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun recognized for her charitable work. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 to care for the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying in India.

Another prominent Theresa was the British Prime Minister, Theresa May. She was Prime Minister from 2016 to 2019 as a member of the Conservative Party.

Theresa has also been featured in classic literature like The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. It’s the name of characters in films and TV shows like The Parent Trap and True Blood.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other English girls’ names.