Theresa is a feminine given name of Latin origin, meaning "to harvest" or "harvest time". The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and was originally used as both a given name and a surname.
The name Theresa has been popular throughout history and has been borne by several notable figures. One of the most famous bearers of the name is Saint Teresa of Ávila, a Spanish nun and mystic who lived in the 16th century. She is one of the few people to be given the title "Doctor of the Church" by the Catholic Church.
The name Theresa has also been used by several royal figures throughout history. Queen Theresa of Bavaria was the wife of King Louis II of Bavaria, and Queen Theresa of Portugal was a Portuguese queen consort in the 19th century.
Today, the name Theresa continues to be popular around the world. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, the name has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for girls since the 1950s. In some cultures, the name is also spelled "Teresa" or "Therese".
Overall, the name Theresa is a classic and enduring choice with a rich history and a meaningful meaning behind it.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Theresa in the United States from 1927 to 1982. The data demonstrates a varied pattern over time, with certain periods seeing more babies named Theresa than others.
Between 1927 and 1953, the number of annual births with the name Theresa ranged between 6 and 11. However, starting in 1954, there was an increase in the popularity of the name, with a peak of 17 births in 1962. This popularity continued throughout much of the 1960s, with annual births ranging from 8 to 16 between 1961 and 1969.
After 1969, the popularity of the name Theresa began to decline once again. There was a slight resurgence in the mid-1970s, with 12 births in 1975, but overall the number of annual births with this name remained relatively low from 1973 onwards.
In total, over these six decades (from 1927 to 1982), there were 345 babies named Theresa born in the United States. This data provides insight into the historical trends and popularity of the name Theresa among parents during this time period.