Teresa is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "therizo" which means "to harvest" or "to reap." It is believed to have originated in the 3rd century AD on the island of Sicily, where Greek culture had a significant influence.

The name Teresa gained widespread popularity in the Christian tradition due to its association with Saint Teresa of Avila, a Spanish mystic and reformer of the Carmelite Order, who lived from 1515 to 1582. Her life and teachings had a profound impact on the Catholic Church, and her name became a popular choice for baby girls, particularly in Spain and other Spanish-speaking regions.

In the 4th century, the name Teresa appeared in the writings of Saint Jerome, a scholar and translator of the Bible. He mentioned a Christian martyr named Teresa who was executed during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Teresa is found in the 12th century, when a Spanish noblewoman named Teresa of Portugal (1181-1250) became the Queen of León and Castile through her marriage to King Alfonso IX.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Teresa, including:

1. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), a Spanish mystic, writer, and reformer of the Carmelite Order, who was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
2. Mother Teresa (1910-1997), a Roman Catholic nun who dedicated her life to serving the poor and destitute and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
3. Teresa Teng (1953-1995), a renowned Taiwanese singer and actress, often referred to as the "Queen of Mandarin Pop."
4. Teresa Graves (1948-2002), an American actress and comedian, best known for her role as an undercover police officer in the television series "Get Christie Love!"
5. Teresa Weatherspoon (born 1965), a former American basketball player and coach, who played in the WNBA and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.

The name Teresa has maintained its popularity throughout the centuries, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries, and continues to be a beloved choice for parents around the world.