Theresa is of Greek origin, meaning 'harvest'. It was introduced to England through the Norman conquest and has been popular ever since, often used interchangeably with Teresa. In literature, Theresa is notable as the name of the protagonist in George Eliot's novel 'Middlemarch', a work that explores themes of morality, social class, and marriage in mid-19th century England. The name Theresa has also been associated with several prominent figures throughout history, including Saint Therese of Lisieux, a highly influential Catholic figure known for her spiritual autobiography, 'Story of a Soul'.
"Theresea experienced a notable rise in popularity between 1947 and 1957, with the highest number of births recorded in 1957 (17). After that peak, the name's usage fluctuated but generally decreased over time, dropping to just 5 births in 1988."