Find out how popular the first name Terese has been for the last 47 years (from 1974 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Terese by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Terese is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Terese.

The history of the first name Terese

The name Terese originates from the Greek language and culture, with its roots traced back to ancient times. It is derived from the Greek word "therizo," which means "to harvest" or "to reap," symbolizing fruitfulness and abundance.

In the early days of Christianity, the name Terese became associated with Saint Therese of Lisieux, a French Carmelite nun who lived in the late 19th century (1873-1897). She is widely revered for her simple yet profound approach to spirituality, known as the "Little Way." Her writings and teachings have had a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and beyond.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Terese can be found in the works of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC), who mentioned a woman named Therese in his writings. However, the name gained widespread popularity after the canonization of Saint Therese of Lisieux in 1925.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Terese. One such figure is Terese of Ávila, also known as Saint Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582), a Spanish mystic, writer, and reformer of the Carmelite Order. Her influential writings on prayer and contemplation have earned her a revered status in the Catholic Church.

Another famous bearer of the name is Terese Neumann (1898-1962), a German Catholic mystic and stigmatic who is said to have lived without food or drink for the last 35 years of her life, a phenomenon that has baffled medical experts and theologians alike.

In the realm of literature, Terese Raquin is the titular character of Émile Zola's novel "Thérèse Raquin" (1867), a work that explores themes of passion, guilt, and moral dilemmas. The novel was considered a groundbreaking work in the naturalist literary movement.

Terese Miljeteig-Olssen (1854-1934) was a Norwegian women's rights activist and politician, who played a pivotal role in securing women's suffrage in Norway. She was the first female member of the Norwegian Parliament and a prominent figure in the early feminist movement.

These are just a few examples of the notable individuals who have borne the name Terese throughout history, each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of this name's legacy.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Terese was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Terese, please contact us.

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