Theresa is a feminine given name of Latin origin that means "to harvest" or "autumn harvest". It is derived from the Latin word for autumn, which is "thermos", and the suffix "-ia" meaning "harvest".
The name Theresa has a rich history dating back to ancient Roman times. In Roman mythology, it was believed that the goddess of agriculture, Ceres, would descend to Earth in the form of a woman during harvest time. This woman was known as Therma or Thermusa, and her presence was said to bring prosperity and abundance to the fields.
In medieval Europe, Theresa became popular among the nobility due to its association with wealth and prosperity. It was often given to girls born around harvest time, as it was believed that they would grow up to be blessed with good fortune and abundance in their own lives.
The name Theresa has also been associated with several notable historical figures throughout history. Saint Theresa of Ávila, a Spanish nun who lived in the 16th century, was known for her mystical experiences and writings on prayer and spirituality. Her feast day is celebrated on October 15th each year.
Today, Theresa remains a popular choice for parents looking to give their daughter a classic yet distinctive name with a strong historical legacy behind it. Whether your little one arrives in autumn or any other time of the year, giving her the name Theresa can be a wonderful way to honor this timeless and meaningful moniker.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Theresa was quite popular among parents in the United States from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, with a peak in popularity during the early to mid-1950s and again in the mid-1960s. During this period, there were consistently between 9 and 17 births per year for girls named Theresa.
Interestingly, after a brief decline in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with only 5 to 11 births per year, the name Theresa saw another spike in popularity during the mid-1980s, with 273 total births recorded between 1947 and 1988.
Overall, these statistics suggest that while the name Theresa may not have been one of the most popular names for girls in the United States during this period, it was certainly a well-loved choice among parents nonetheless.