Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Terese since 1889
Babies named Terese per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 15 |
| 1900s | 39 |
| 1910s | 115 |
| 1920s | 248 |
| 1930s | 226 |
| 1940s | 364 |
| 1950s | 2,080 |
| 1960s | 1,822 |
| 1970s | 696 |
| 1980s | 496 |
| 1990s | 263 |
| 2000s | 108 |
| 2010s | 18 |
| 2020s | 8 |
Meaning & origin
Terese is a girl's name of Greek origin that peaked in popularity in 1961, ranking among the top 500 names in the United States at that time. It is a variant of Teresa, sharing the same meaning of 'harvester'. The name has been in steady decline since around 1985, reflecting a broader shift away from traditional Catholic saints' names. Although its top states are not recorded, the name was most common in the mid-20th century. Terese remains a recognizable yet uncommon choice, offering an alternative to the more standard spelling Teresa.
Terese is a variant of Teresa, derived from the Greek name Therasia, referring to the island of Therasia or possibly from the Greek word therizo (to harvest). The name was popularized by Saint Teresa of Ávila, a 16th-century Spanish nun and theologian. The spelling Terese, with one 's', is a Latinate form used in several European languages.
Where Terese 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Teri, Tess, Tessa, Terry
Sibling names for Terese
Names that share Terese's style, for a brother or sister.
