Theresa is of Latin origin, derived from the Late Latin word 'therapeia', which means 'to attend'. It entered the English language during the Middle Ages through its association with Saint Theresa of Ávila, a Spanish nun who was canonized in 1562.
The name Therese experienced fluctuations in popularity from the 1950s to the 1970s, with peak years being 1954 and 1970.