Theresa is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "theresia," which means "to harvest" or "to gather." The name Theresa has been associated with several historical figures, including Saint Teresa of Ávila, a Spanish mystic and reformer who founded the Discalced Carmelites in the 16th century, and Mother Teresa, a Roman Catholic nun and missionary who dedicated her life to caring for the sick and poor in Calcutta, India.
The name Theresa has been popular throughout history, particularly among Catholics due to its association with Saint Teresa of Ávila. It was also a popular name among the royal families of Europe during the Middle Ages. Today, Theresa remains a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet unique name for their daughters.
In terms of its meaning and symbolism, the name Theresa is often associated with harvest and abundance, as it is derived from the Latin word "theresia." It can also be seen as a symbol of gathering together or unity. Additionally, due to its association with Saint Teresa of Ávila and Mother Teresa, the name Theresa may evoke feelings of spirituality, compassion, and selflessness.
Overall, Theresa is a classic yet unique feminine given name with a rich history and meaningful symbolism behind it. Its Latin origins give it a timeless quality, while its association with historical figures makes it a name that has stood the test of time.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Theresa has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States.
The name first started to gain traction in the late 19th century, with around 150 births per year between 1880 and 1890. However, it was not until the early 20th century that Theresa began to become more popular, with over 400 births annually from 1906 onwards.
The name reached its peak popularity in the mid-20th century, with over 5,000 births per year between 1948 and 1967. The highest recorded number of births for Theresa was in 1959, with 11,849 babies given this name.
However, after reaching its peak popularity, the name Theresa began to decline in usage. By the late 20th century, there were fewer than 1,000 births per year, and by the early 21st century, the number of births had fallen to around 150-200 per year.
In recent years, the name Theresa has seen a small resurgence in popularity, with over 200 births recorded annually since 2014. However, it remains far less popular than it was during its peak in the mid-20th century.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the changing trends and fluctuations in the popularity of the name Theresa over time in the United States. Despite its ups and downs, Theresa remains a classic name with a long history of usage.