Declining since 1985, #908 for girls today.
Popularity of Teresa since 1880
Babies named Teresa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 769 |
| 1890s | 1,587 |
| 1900s | 1,889 |
| 1910s | 5,194 |
| 1920s | 9,227 |
| 1930s | 7,648 |
| 1940s | 19,329 |
| 1950s | 114,283 |
| 1960s | 151,793 |
| 1970s | 56,037 |
| 1980s | 23,411 |
| 1990s | 11,952 |
| 2000s | 6,755 |
| 2010s | 4,215 |
| 2020s | 1,955 |
Meaning & origin
Teresa is a classic name with deep roots in Spanish and Portuguese culture, widely recognized for its saintly associations and gentle, melodic sound. The name reached its peak popularity in the United States in 1962, when it ranked highly, but has since declined steadily, falling to rank 908 in 2025. While its exact origin remains debated, its ties to Greek geography or agriculture give it a subtle, earthy charm. The name was most common in states like Illinois, Iowa, and Massachusetts, reflecting its historical popularity in communities with strong Catholic traditions. Although less frequently chosen today, Teresa retains a timeless dignity and a rich cultural legacy.
Teresa is the Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian form of the name Therasia. The name's ultimate origin is uncertain, but it is often linked to the Greek island of Thera (modern-day Santorini) or the Greek words 'therizein' (to harvest) or 'theros' (summer). It was borne by the Spanish saint Teresa of Ávila in the 16th century, which popularized the name across the Catholic world. The name has been in use in various forms since the Middle Ages and has seen enduring popularity in English-speaking countries and beyond.
Where Teresa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Teresa” around the world
Where Teresa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Terri, Teri, Tess, Tessa, Reese
Sibling names for Teresa
Names that share Teresa's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Maria, Catherine, Anne, Margaret, Elizabeth, Angela, Anita, Marcella, Annamarie, Felicita, Marisa, Marquita, Maura, Cherilyn, Clarita, Delisa, Dominga, Enriqueta, Marita, Santa, Sulema, Terrica, Cherita, Deronda, Donnamarie, Dorita, Estefana, Gaetana, Laresa, Laurita, Lorisa, Lurdes, Marysa, Maurica, Scherry, Sherese, Tamitha, Terena, Terina, Terisa, Vicenta, Barba, Cherilynn, Franci, Janesa, Korine, Laretha, Maryclare, Mirinda, Morrisa, Porfiria, Sheresa, Taletha, Telena, Terissa, Terrisa, Tersa, Tita, Ynez, Yolunda, Cherisa, Casilda, Cheresa, Demita, Jeriann, Lateria, Lorilynn, Melesa, Melisia, Merrisa, Senita, Tearsa, Telesa
Brothers: Joseph, Michael, David, John, Anthony, Terence, Santo, Blas, Cosme, Eligio, Jacinto, Paulo, Silvestre, Terance, Dujuan, Eberardo, Edelmiro, Jenaro, Olegario, Pasqual, Tarrance, Tierre, Adolpho, Baldomero, Bosco, Cleofas, Eluterio, Eustacio, Gumaro, Josemaria, Larone, Natalio, Raimundo, Trino, Alfonsa, Alverto, Canuto, Galo, Jernard, Jerral, Josep, Medardo, Ranulfo, Sostenes
Names like Teresa
Names whose popularity has moved with Teresa's over the last 50 years.
