Theresa is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Late Latin word "theresia," which means "to harvest" or "to reap." The name was originally associated with the Greek goddess Demeter, who was the goddess of the harvest.
The name Theresa first appeared in Spain in the 13th century and gained popularity during the Middle Ages. It was often given to girls born around the time of harvest festivals. In some cases, it was also used as a title for women of high rank or nobility.
Theresa has been popular throughout Europe for centuries. Some notable figures with this name include:
* Saint Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582), a Spanish nun and mystic who is one of the 36 Doctors of the Church.
* Empress Maria Theresa (1717-1780), ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, who was known for her political reforms and cultural achievements.
Today, Theresa remains a popular choice among parents looking for traditional yet unique names for their daughters. It is also commonly used as a middle name or as a nickname for longer forms like Therese or Teresa. Despite its long history, the name continues to be associated with strength, leadership, and harvest themes.
The name Therese experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, its usage peaked dramatically, reaching a high of 841 births in 1926 from a low of 6 births in 1881-1883. However, after World War II, there was a steady decline in the name's popularity, dropping to as low as 45 births in 2019. Despite this decrease, Therese has maintained some level of usage up until recent years, with 70 births recorded in 2023.