Theresa is of Latin origin and means 'to harvest'. It has been used since the Middle Ages but gained popularity during the Renaissance period, often used by Catholic families due to its association with St. Theresa of Ávila. In English-speaking countries, Theresa has consistently ranked among the top 1000 most popular names for girls from the late 19th century onwards. It is also found in various spelling variations such as Teresa and Therese. Notable individuals named Theresa include American politician Theresa Heinz Kerry and Austrian Empress Maria Theresa. The name evokes a sense of grace, strength, and femininity.
The name Therasa peaked in popularity between 1956 and 1976, with a notable high of 13 births in 1962. However, its usage has consistently declined since the late 1970s, with only five or fewer births per year from 1980 onwards, indicating that it is now quite rare.