Theresa is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Late Latin word "theresia," which means "to harvest" or "to reap." The name was originally associated with the Greek goddess Demeter, who was the goddess of the harvest.
The name Theresa first appeared in Spain in the 13th century and gained popularity during the Middle Ages. It was often given to girls born around the time of harvest festivals. In some cases, it was also used as a title for women of high rank or nobility.
Theresa has been popular throughout Europe for centuries. Some notable figures with this name include:
* Saint Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582), a Spanish nun and mystic who is one of the 36 Doctors of the Church.
* Empress Maria Theresa (1717-1780), ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, who was known for her political reforms and cultural achievements.
Today, Theresa remains a popular choice among parents looking for traditional yet unique names for their daughters. It is also commonly used as a middle name or as a nickname for longer forms like Therese or Teresa. Despite its long history, the name continues to be associated with strength, leadership, and harvest themes.
The name Therese has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th century, there was an average of about 10 babies named Therese per year between 1880 and 1890. However, starting from 1891, the number of babies named Therese began to increase dramatically, reaching a peak of 289 births in 1924.
The popularity of the name continued to grow throughout the 1920s and 1930s, with over 500 births each year. However, it started to decline in the late 1930s, reaching a low of 262 births in 1934. The popularity of the name continued to fluctuate throughout the mid-20th century, with some years seeing over 800 births and others less than 50.
In recent years, the name Therese has seen a resurgence in popularity, with over 60 births each year since 2014. However, it remains relatively uncommon compared to its peak in the mid-20th century. In total, there have been 35,421 babies named Therese born in the United States since 1880.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Therese has waxed and waned over the years, it remains a name with a rich history and a continued presence in American culture.