The name Teresina is of Italian origin and means "small turtle dove". It is a diminutive form of the name Teresa, which in turn comes from the Latin word 'teres', meaning 'to rub or polish'. The name Teresa was originally given to children born around Christmas time, as it is associated with the Virgin Mary's virtue of humility.
The name Teresina first appeared in Italy during the Middle Ages and has since been used throughout Europe. It became particularly popular in Spain and Latin America, where it is still commonly used today.
In literature, Teresina appears in several works, such as "Teresina" by Brazilian writer Machado de Assis, which tells the story of a young woman who becomes involved in a scandalous affair with a married man. Additionally, Teresina is also the name of a character in Gabriel García Márquez's novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude".
Overall, the name Teresina has a rich history and meaning that is deeply rooted in Italian culture and Catholic tradition. It is a unique and elegant name that continues to be used today, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe the usage of the name Teresina among newborns in the United States over several decades.
The earliest year recorded is 1908 with a total of 5 births named Teresina. This number fluctuates over time, reaching its peak in certain years while declining in others. In 1916 and again in 1923, there were 9 births each year with the name Teresina.
Interestingly, there seems to be a resurgence of popularity for this name in the late 1960s to early 1970s, with 8 births in 1963, followed by at least 5 births annually from 1964 to 1973. This period also marks one of the longest consistent periods of usage for the name Teresina.
The late 20th century saw a renewed interest in this name once again, with peaks of 7 births in both 1990 and 1991. However, it's important to note that these statistics represent only those years recorded and may not capture all instances where the name Teresina was given.
Overall, while Teresina may not be one of the most popular names throughout history, its usage has persisted in various decades over the past century, with a total of 163 births recorded. It's clear that this name has maintained some level of popularity among parents across several generations in the United States.