Terita first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Terita has been for the last 8 years (from 1975 to 1982) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Terita

A feminine name with Basque origins meaning "third-born daughter".

Popularity of Terita by gender

Based on the last 8 years of data, Terita is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1982, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Terita.

Year Male Count Female Count
1982 0 6
1981 0 6
1979 0 7
1975 0 6

The history of the first name Terita

The name Terita has its origins in the ancient Sanskrit language, which was the classical literary language of South Asia. It first appeared in various Hindu scriptures and texts dating back to around the 5th century BCE. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "tara," which means "star" or "protector," and the suffix "ita," which denotes a feminine form.

In the Hindu tradition, the name Terita was often associated with goddesses or female deities who were revered for their protective and nurturing qualities. One of the earliest recorded references to the name can be found in the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic poem, where a character named Terita is mentioned as a wise and virtuous woman.

During the medieval period, the name Terita gained popularity among certain Buddhist communities in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions where Sanskrit-derived languages were spoken. In these cultures, the name was often given to girls as a symbol of spiritual guidance and enlightenment.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Terita was a Buddhist nun who lived in the 7th century CE in what is now present-day Thailand. She was renowned for her teachings on compassion and mindfulness, and her writings on Buddhist philosophy were widely studied in monasteries throughout the region.

In the 12th century, a famous Indian poet and scholar named Terita Mishra gained recognition for her extensive works on Sanskrit literature and grammar. She is credited with writing several influential texts that helped preserve and promote the study of the ancient Sanskrit language during a time when it was in decline.

Another notable figure was Terita Devi, a princess from the Rajput kingdom of Mewar in present-day Rajasthan, India, who lived in the 16th century. She was renowned for her bravery and leadership skills, and played a crucial role in defending her kingdom against invading forces.

In the 19th century, a renowned Indian social reformer and activist named Terita Bai campaigned tirelessly for the rights of women and the abolition of harmful practices such as child marriage and the oppression of widows. Her efforts helped bring about significant changes in Indian society and paved the way for future reforms.

While the name Terita may not be as common today as it once was, its rich historical roots and symbolic meanings continue to resonate with those who value the principles of protection, guidance, and spiritual enlightenment.

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 Terita was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Terita first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on September 4, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/terita-meaning-and-history/.

"Terita first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/terita-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 4 September, 2025

Terita first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/terita-meaning-and-history/.

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