Teresa is a female given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "teres," which means "solid" or "firm." In medieval times, it was often associated with Saint Teresa of Ávila, a Spanish nun and writer who lived in the 16th century. She was known for her mystical writings and is considered one of the most significant reformers of the Carmelite order. The name Teresa has been popular among Catholics since the Middle Ages due to its association with the saint. However, it can also be found among people of different faiths. Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Teresa, including Teresa of Ávila herself, as well as Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa), a Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for her humanitarian work in India. The name Teresa has also appeared in literature and pop culture, such as in the works of Shakespeare and the popular song "Teresa" by Jefferson Airplane. In many cultures, the name Teresa is often associated with qualities like strength, steadfastness, and dedication due to its meaning and historical figures bearing the name.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Teresa has had varying popularity over the years in the United States. The highest number of births with the name Teresa occurred in 1960 and 1965, both years having 26 and 27 births respectively. This indicates that Teresa was quite popular during these years.
However, the popularity of this name has decreased significantly over time. From the peak in the early 1960s, there has been a steady decline in its usage. For instance, from 1975 onwards, the number of births with the name Teresa never reached above double digits again. The lowest point was in 1983, with only 5 births recorded.
In total, over the years from 1948 to 1983, there were 460 births with the name Teresa in the United States. This data shows a general trend of decreasing popularity for the name Teresa over time.